John Marsden: The Art of Growing Up

The demands placed on young people are ever-growing. What does it mean to educate children and teenagers in the era of social media and climate change, when they’re acutely aware of the pressure to succeed – whether via NAPLAN results, university entrance scores, extracurricular activities, or fulfilling jobs?

John Marsden has long been part of the lives of young Australians. He is the author of over 40 books, including the perennially popular Tomorrow series. But he is also an experienced educator, and the founder and principal of the Candlebark and Alice Miller schools. 

His latest book, The Art of Growing Up, is a manifesto about how best to work with and for young people – in schools and as parents – outlining how adults can equip the next generation with the skills and passion to grow up well and be happy. 

Joined in conversation by 15-year-old student Sumeya Yussuf, and hosted by school librarian Karys McEwen, Marsden will discuss the lives of young people in the 21st century, what it means to let kids be kids, and how effective education can offer them room to thrive.

Readings will be our bookseller for this event.