UQP acquires debut middle-grade novel by First Nations author Allison Rocca

UQP is thrilled to announce the acquisition of a raucous new middle-grade novel by debut First Nations author Allison Rocca, in a deal brokered by Danielle Binks of Jacinta di Mase Management. Joey and the Junjardy is a fun and action-packed story about eleven-year-old larrikin Joey who starts at a new school on Country and gains the attention of a Junjardy – a small hairy mischief-maker. When the practical jokes spiral out of control, Joey must figure out what the Junjardy is trying to tell him about being a strong Wakka Wakka boy. The book will be illustrated by Yawuru comic artist Brenton E. McKenna.

Children’s Publisher Cathy Vallance says:

‘I was hooked the moment I started reading. Joey’s voice explodes off the page – he’s cheeky, creative and full of wild antics. But the story also radiates with heart, through themes of second chances, belonging and caring for Country. There are not nearly enough middle-grade books by First Nations authors, and I am beyond proud to be publishing this exceptional novel and introducing Allison to the children’s literature landscape.’

Allison Rocca says:

‘It means the world to me and my family to see my debut middle-grade novel brought to life by UQP. This story – first told to me by my grandparents when I was a child – is one I’ve always loved and dreamed of sharing with young readers. I’m incredibly grateful to be working with the talented UQP team, who not only believe in the heart and soul of my story but also share my commitment to getting more books featuring First Nations voices into the hands of kids.’

Brenton E. McKenna says:

‘Finally! It’s so good to see our First Nations folklore stories being told with a modern twist and a lot of cheek. I was honoured to be asked to illustrate Joey and the Junjardy. So many of our mob will identify with a lot of themes that resonate in all our communities in this book. There are so many deadly folklore stories from our mob would make great modern tales, and I believe this one by Allison Rocca is going to be one of them.’

About Allison Rocca

Allison Rocca is a primary school teacher who has taught in classrooms from the ’burbs of Australia, to remote villages in Asia and Hogwarts-like academies in Oxford. She is a descendant of Wakka Wakka and Kaanju people and her upbringing was rich in storytelling. Allison likes to draw on the stories passed down by her highly respected Elder grandparents to write fiction for children and young adults. She lives and writes on Yuggera/Turrbal country, Brisbane.

About Brenton E. McKenna

Brenton E. McKenna is a Yawuru artist and writer from Broome who fell in love with comic books at a young age. He studied visual arts at Goulburn TAFE, and in 2011 became the first ever published Indigenous graphic novelist with the release of Ubby’s Underdogs: The Legend of the Phoenix Dragon. When he’s not drawing, Brenton dedicates his time to educating young people through creative storytelling workshops. Using his ‘you can be anything you want, just be relentless first’ mantra, he takes learning into a fantastical, exciting and visual space through his innovative and imaginative teachings.

UQP has acquired world rights and will publish in July 2026.

For more information, contact UQP Marketing & Publicity Manager Jean Smith on jean.smith@uqp.com.au.