Todd Strasser

Todd Strasser is an American author known for his prolific output across adult, young adult, and middle-grade fiction. With over 140 published novels, his works span multiple genres, including contemporary realism, historical fiction, and social commentary. Among his notable titles are the young adult novels "The Wave," "Price of Duty," and "No Place," as well as the middle-grade bestseller "Help! I'm Trapped in My Teacher's Body," which launched his popular 17-book "Help! I'm Trapped in..." series. His recent adult novel, "Summer of '69," draws from his autobiographical experiences during the counterculture era, including his time at Woodstock.

Strasser's writing often explores complex themes such as war, social inequality, and adolescence, earning critical acclaim for its thought-provoking depth. "Price of Duty" was named a 2018 New York Public Library Best Book for Teens, praised for its nuanced portrayal of military service. Similarly, "Fallout," his middle-grade novel about Cold War-era nuclear fears, received a standout review in "The New York Times". His background as a journalist and his unconventional life experiences - including time spent as a street musician in Europe - inform his authentic narrative voice and keen observational style.

A Long Island native, Strasser initially struggled with formal writing education due to difficulties with spelling and grammar, yet he pursued literature studies at Beloit College after years of travel and odd jobs. Before achieving literary success, he founded a fortune cookie company, balancing entrepreneurship with his early writing career. Today, he remains active as both an author and a speaker at schools and conferences, while continuing to write across age groups and genres.