Bryce Courtenay, Courtenay is an Australian author who did not write his first book until the age of fifty-five. He is a patriot who is committed to the cause of literacy and is actively involved in many programs across Australia that motivate young people to read. His career before writing was in advertising, and he was very successful. He has won most of the local and international advertising awards and has won a gold medal for Best Documentary at the 1984 New York Film Festival. His first novel, "The Power of One," is the largest selling book by a living Australian author up to that time. Courtenay's other titles include "Tandia," "April Fools Day," "The Family Frying Pan," "The Night… Country," "The Potato Factory," "Tommo & Hawk," "Jessica," and "Solomon's Song." "Jessica" received the 1999 APA Who Weekly Reader's Choice Award and the 2000 APA Who Weekly Reader's Choice Award. "Tommo & Hawk" is the story of mixed race twins born to a dock prostitute and how their similar experiences are undoubtedly different because of the cultural perceptions of the time. This novel also won the 1998 APA Who Weekly Reader's Choice Award. "Tommo & Hawk" is part of a trilogy that begins with "The Potato Factory" and ends with "Solomon's Song."