John had a remarkable impact on young readers in Australia and globally. From his first novel, So Much to Tell You, the best-selling young adult series Tomorrow, When the War Began, and Letters From the Inside, to picture books like The Rabbits and Prayer for the Twenty-First Century, John's writing put a spotlight on stories and issues to powerful effect.
Winning many awards, and occasionally controversial, John's stories were authentic, raw and honest, providing both a window and a mirror to ourselves and the world around us, and creating strong connections with readers. He described his writing style as one which explored the inner worlds, and inner lives of characters, and said that he thought of himself as an honest, precise, realistic, interested and kind writer.
John was generous when meeting readers and other writers. He was passionate about inspiring young people to read. He was incredibly successful in accomplishing that, and it will remain a great legacy.
