John Dennis Fitzgerald (February 3, 1906 – May 21, 1988) was a notable American author, best known for his series of children's books, The Great Brain. Born in Price, Utah, Fitzgerald's father, Thomas, held a pharmacy degree and was engaged in multiple business ventures while serving on the Price Town Council. John graduated from Carbon High School and pursued a career as a jazz drummer at the age of eighteen. Throughout his life, he held various occupations, including working as a newspaper reporter for the World-Tribune in New York City, a foreign correspondent for United Press, an advertising and purchasing agent, and a bank auditor. He also served on Wendell Willkie's staff during Willkie's presidential campaign. His first book, Papa Married a Mormon, was published in 1955.