John Marsden is one of the most treasured writers in Australia, and for good reason. Perhaps less known is that Marsden is the founding principal of two alternative education schools in Victoria. A teacher turned children’s and YA author, John Marsden speaks candidly about his approach to, and thoughts on, education, Australian society, and life.

Take Risks gives readers detailed advice on the direction education needs to take as we move deeper into the 21st century. It is quirky at times, laugh-out-loud at others, and deeply thought-provoking throughout, exploring everything from Marsden’s early teaching days at Geelong Grammar, to a metaphorical bite on the bum by a koala, and the frightening ‘Walkodile’. Nothing is outside of his crosshairs. Politics, environment, and justice only begin to scrape the surface.

As a young man, I devoured the ‘Tomorrow’ series. Now, as a high school teacher myself, I have taught the ‘Tomorrow’ series and The Rabbits in English classrooms throughout Queensland. With our similar backgrounds, I have been drawn to his more recent books like a bee to pollen. He hits the mark on many subjects in this book. I found myself nodding along as I moved from page to page, chapter to chapter. Take Risks gives sage and timely advice on education and humanity more broadly.

This book isn’t for the average John Marsden fan. Don’t expect invading foreign powers or fictional stories of young love. This book is for educators, it’s for parents, it’s for the keen observer of where our society is going and how education is helping shape it.

An experienced and innovative voice, John Marsden has yet again redefined himself in the Australian literary landscape.

Reviewed by Samuel Bernard Williams