December 18th 2024.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of acclaimed Australian author John Marsden at the age of 74. Marsden was best known for his bestselling Tomorrow series, which captivated readers around the world and was even adapted into a film in 2010. His first book in the series, Tomorrow, When The War Began, was a huge success and is still considered by many to be the greatest series for Australian teens of all time.
Marsden's impact on the literary world was revolutionary, particularly in the realm of young adult literature. His unflinching honesty in addressing complex themes was both groundbreaking and inspiring. His contributions went beyond writing, as he also founded the Candlebark and Alice Miller Schools, which confirmed his passing today. The schools described him as a transformative figure who touched countless young lives through his writing and his innovative approach to education.
Born in Victoria in 1950, Marsden knew from a young age that he wanted to be an author. However, his journey to literary stardom took some unexpected turns, including working in an abattoir, driving a lorry, and even spending time in the emergency ward of a hospital. He eventually found his way to teaching at prestigious schools like Geelong Grammar's Timbertop and the Fitzroy Community School before publishing his first book, So Much To Tell You, in 1987.
Marsden went on to write over 40 novels, but it was his Tomorrow series and The Ellie Chronicles that gained him widespread recognition and love from teenage readers. He was awarded the Lloyd O'Neil Award for contributions to Australian publishing in 2006, and according to his publisher, Pan Macmillan Publishing, he has won every major award in Australia for young people's fiction.
Despite his success as an author, Marsden never gave up teaching. In 1998, he even purchased an estate on the northern edge of Melbourne where he ran a popular writing course. He later transformed the property into his own P-8 school, Candlebark, in 2006, and also served as a principal at 7-12 school Alice Miller. Earlier this year, he stepped down from his role as principal, leaving behind a legacy of championing children and young people and viewing them with profound respect.
In the words of current principal Sarita Ryan, "John was a true champion of children and young people. He had unflinching belief in them and viewed them with profound respect." His schools were designed to allow students to be authentic, expressive, and highly capable, and he saw their potential to do great things if given the right opportunities. To him, Candlebark and Alice Miller were not radical, but simply "did the bleeding obvious."
Marsden's death is a great loss to the literary world, but his impact and legacy will continue to live on through his writing and his influence on education. The 9NEWS app is available for those who wish to stay updated on the latest breaking news, sports, politics, and weather. Download it now from the Apple App Store or Google Play to receive notifications straight to your smartphone. Let us remember John Marsden as a pioneer, a teacher, and a champion of young minds.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
