Roland Smith

Roland Smith is a well-regarded American author, known for his unique and perceptive young adult fiction. Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and developed a love for animals at a young age. He pursued this passion by working as a zookeeper at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. This experience provided the foundation for many of his non-fiction children's books, which often focus on animals and animal welfare.

In addition to his work as a children's book author, Smith is also a prolific writer of young adult fiction. He has published over twenty novels, including the I, Q, Cryptid Hunters, Thunder Cave, and Storm Runners series. His books often feature teenage protagonists embarking on exciting adventures, drawing from Smith's own experiences and interests.

Smith's first novel, Thundercave, was published in 1997 and tells the story of a teenage boy who follows his biologist father to Africa to research elephants. This theme of adventure and exploration is common in Smith's work, with other notable titles including The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Peak, and Elephant Run.

Smith has received numerous accolades for his work, including multiple "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, Florida, and Oregon. He currently lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren. In addition to his writing, Smith continues to be an advocate for animal welfare and conservation.