Because You Belong
Katherine Owens is an Australian author devoted to reigniting a love of reading and offering children and teens fresh hope for belonging through story. Writing for those who struggle to find books that truly speak to them, she creates inspiring fiction and narrative non-fiction that resonate with real challenges and real lives.
Her books are more than just stories - they’re gateways for readers who feel overlooked, disconnected, or unsure and pathways to new perspectives. They’re reminders that no reader is ever alone. Join Katherine on her mission to nurture gratitude, kindness, empathy, and meaningful conversations between young people and the people who shape their world - because we all need to feel like we truly belong.
The Yarning Stick
Indigenous local artist and Aboriginal Elder, Donna Hensen, offered to be a part of this project and to donate a custom painted yarning stick she designed. Donna explained, in traditional Aboriginal culture, the person holding the yarning stick was allowed their time to speak. This would help with the sharing of knowledge, storytelling and conflict resolution.
Upon gathering the approval of interviewees, photos were taken of each person’s hands holding the yarning stick. While the people are not identifiable through these photos, it does prove that real people were involved in the process as well as showing the variety of people the author spoke with.
Extraordinary Words by Extraordinary People
Through the process of interviewing and writing Extraordinary Stories, snippets of incredible knowledge were captured from each and every person.
These quotes can be used to help us realise we belong here, we matter and we are not alone.
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