Andrew Elborn Clements was an acclaimed American author of children's literature. Born on May 29, 1949, in Camden, New Jersey, he spent his early years in Oaklyn and Cherry Hill before moving to Springfield, Illinois. His parents were avid readers, a passion they passed on to Clements and his siblings. The family spent summers at a cabin on a lake in Maine, a place without modern distractions where Clements developed his love for reading.

Clements studied literature at Northwestern University, where he also learned to play the guitar and began writing songs. After graduating, he earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching at National Louis University and taught various grades in public schools north of Chicago for seven years. It was during these years that he started writing seriously.

His first novel, Frindle, published in 1996, became an immediate success, winning numerous awards and turning Clements into a full-time writer. Known for his engaging storytelling and ability to connect with young readers, Clements authored many beloved children's books throughout his career.

He received several prestigious awards, including the Phoenix Award for Frindle, and his works have been recognized on many notable reading lists. Andrew Clements passed away on November 28, 2019, leaving a legacy of inspiring literature for children.