John Marsden’s books have sold more than four million copies around the world. He is the author of thirty novels including the highly acclaimed Tomorrow series and the Ellie Chronicles. Marsden was a teacher for many years before becoming a full-time writer, and his interest in education has never waned. In 1998 he bought the Tye Estate, 850 acres of natural bush on the northern edge of Melbourne, and in 2006 started his own school there, Candlebark. Remarkably, Marsden teaches Shakespeare’s Hamlet to his Year 7 students—it’s usually set for Year 9 or 10—and his nuanced novel reflects that deep understanding and passion for the drama.