Fred Aceves is a distinguished American author, well-known for his Young Adult novels. Born in New York to a Mexican father and a Dominican mother, Aceves has a rich cultural background that includes Mexican, Dominican, and American influences. He spent a significant portion of his youth in Southern California and Tampa, Florida, where he lived in a working-class neighborhood. These experiences would later become the inspiration for his debut novel, "The Closest I've Come."
After turning 21, Aceves embarked on a journey to travel the world, living in various locations such as Chicago, the Czech Republic, France, Argentina, Bolivia, and Mexico. During his travels, he took on several jobs to support himself, including work as a delivery driver, server, cook, car salesman, freelance editor, and English as a second language teacher. These diverse experiences have provided Aceves with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of different cultures and ways of life, which he has woven into his storytelling. His unique perspective and ability to connect with people from all walks of life have made him a popular and respected figure in the world of Young Adult literature.