Ngurra Home

Black Cockatoo #3

by Carl Merrison, Hakea Hustler, Dub Leffler (Illustrator)

Ngurra Home is the third and final book in Magabala's much loved Black Cockatoo series, a beautiful coming-of-age series that follows the life of Jaru girl from the Kimberley, Mia.

We first met Mia in Black Cockatoo as she navigated her way through culture, Country and familial ties. The second book Dirrarn, follows Mia as she finds herself at boarding school navigating the challenges of living thousands of kilometres away from home and family and maintaining her sense of identity and belonging.

In this final book, Mia is now studying Conservation and Wildlife Science at university whilst working part-time for a wildlife sanctuary when she is suddenly called upon to return home to her family. She is faced with the responsibility to protect the country, which her Jiwalji has given her. It is time for Mia to fight for country, and her education, knowledge and experience in wildlife science will guide her.

Genres: Young Adult

201 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

Carl is a Jaru/Kija man from Halls Creek in the Kimberleys in Western Australia. Carl loves spending time out bush with his family; fishing, hunting and swimming in waterholes. He loves AFL- he is a Level 3 coach! Carl was awarded State Finalist of the Australian of the Year Award- Local Hero for Western Australia in 2016 for his work as lifeguard, football coach, Clontarf worker and youth mentor. Carl was the 2020 Black&Write Fellowship recipient for his series of picture books: Backyard Sports. He was a shortlisted author for the Western Australian Writing Fellowship.

Reviews

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence)]

Loved this exploration and sharing of the Indigenous Australian culture and the love and care for Country and its inhabitants. Although it follows a university student, working at the vet clinic, campaigning for her culture and everything can be read by younger ages.

Only upon finishing I realised this book was a sequel to previous reads. Makes a lot of sense as it could be read by all ages as the themes of social justice, caring for animals, wildlife and community are universal. I was still able to pick up and enjoy it as a standalone regardless of being a part of a series.

[Jennie]

Although this is the third in a series, Nugurra stands alone as a complete story. Mia is completing the final year of her Bachelor of Conservation and Wildlife Science degree as well as working part time at a vet clinic and volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary. The different aspects of her life are expanded to show how well Mia has learnt to balance her life in in Boorloo (Perth) ably assimilating and switching between her cultural beliefs and standards and that of a cosmopolitan city.

Mia demonstrates the importance of family and being true to herself, valuing and respecting friendships and doing the right thing - with a tendency to put family above her own needs. Both strong and resilient, Mia also is respectful of culture and family, particularly the Elders, and demonstrates this through her actions when mixing with other tribes in Boorloo and when returning home. When her grandfather falls ill she returns home, even though last assignments are due, and learns of mining companies planning to devastate the land through fracking.

Merrison provides a very useful glossary at the start and seamlessly integrates native language and beliefs within a contemporary story that deals with real and pressing issues in regard to conservation and environmental exploitation. The book is quite short with fairly large print, but is clearly intended for teen readers and would provide excellent curriculum support dealing with Indigenous and environmental issues.

CBCA 2026 Older Reader Notable title.

[Sabrina Done]

As somebody who has lived in both Perth and the Kimberley growing up, I have a deep connection with both places. I found Ngurra home a nostalgic read, which highlighted the beauty and importance of culture and country.

[Jaq]

Hoping this will win the CBCA