Jack Gantos is an American author known for his children's and young adult literature. He was born on July 2, 1951, in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. Gantos has written numerous books, including the popular Joey Pigza series, which explores themes of mental health and childhood challenges. His writing often draws from his own experiences, making his stories relatable and engaging for young readers. In addition to the Joey Pigza series, Gantos has written other acclaimed works, such as Dead End in Norvelt, which won the Newbery Medal in 2012. He is recognized for his ability to blend humor with serious topics, making his books both entertaining and thought-provoking. Gantos continues to inspire young readers with his storytelling.