Andrew Clements is a well-known American author, celebrated for his children's books. He has penned several series, including 'Pets to the Rescue' and 'Jake Drake'. One of his most acclaimed children's novels, 'Frindle', won multiple book awards, demonstrating his prowess in the genre. Clements' work has been translated into numerous languages, indicating its global appeal and resonance with young readers.
Born in Camden, New Jersey in 1949, Clements spent his formative years in Oaklyn and Cherry Hill before moving to Springfield, Illinois in sixth grade. His parents were avid readers, a trait they passed on to him and his siblings. Reading became a significant part of his summer vacations, particularly those spent in a cabin in a lake in Maine, where he would read late into the night after a day of fishing and outdoor activities. These quiet moments helped shape his thinking and fueled his interest in writing.
Clements' journey as a writer was significantly influenced by an English teacher during his senior year in high school. After praising a poem he had written, the teacher suggested it should be published, a comment that boosted his confidence in his writing abilities. This encouragement, coupled with occasional compliments from professors during his literature major at Northwestern University, further solidified his interest in writing. However, he wrote only when he felt inspired, viewing writing as a challenging task.
Clements' first foray into publishing was with a small publisher specializing in how-to books. His name appeared in the acknowledgments of 'A Country Christmas Treasury', marking his first publication. His breakthrough as a novelist came with 'Frindle', published in 1996, which became a bestseller. This success turned him into a full-time writer, a role he has maintained since. He writes in a small shed in his Massachusetts home, a place that mirrors the quiet, peaceful cabin in Maine where he spent his summers as a child.
Most of Clements' characters are ordinary people dealing with everyday life. His stories, particularly those set in schools, resonate with readers of all ages due to their universal themes and relatable characters. He hopes his readers will see themselves in his stories and enjoy his use of language and storytelling.