Renowned Australian author John Marsden has died aged 74. The award-winning author published more than 40 books - including the best-selling Tomorrow series, which chronicled a fictional invasion and occupation of Australia. The young adult series has been described as “the best series for Australian teens of all time”, selling millions of copies and sparking a successful movie and TV series.
The ABC broke news of Mr Marsden’s death on Wednesday evening. The Tomorrow books have become a staple of Australian libraries and young adult reading. In 2006 he was awarded the prestigious Lloyd O’Neil Award for contributions to Australian publishing.
Mr Marsden’s historical novel for adults, South of Darkness, won the Christina Stead Award for Best Novel of 2015. Mr Marsden also founded Candlebark School in regional Victoria and also served as its principal. “Candlebark is a P-8 co-educational school, based to a considerable extent on the principles of Fitzroy Community School in Melbourne,” Mr Marsden’s official biography on his website states.
“Its numbers are deliberately kept small, in the interests of maintaining a warm and friendly atmosphere, and its philosophy is one of creative lively learning which is purposeful and challenging.” He opened a second school, the Alice Miller School, in Macedon in 2016. More to come.
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Entertainment
John Marsden, beloved Aussie author of best-selling Tomorrow book series, dies aged 74
A legendary Australian author who wrote more than 40 books over his distinguished career has died aged 74.