Roland Smith is an American author of young adult fiction and nonfiction books for children. He was born on November 30, 1951, in Portland, Oregon. Smith graduated from Portland State University and began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, working at both the Oregon Zoo in Portland and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington.

His experiences as a zookeeper significantly influenced his writing career. After participating in wildlife rescue efforts following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, in 1990, which is a nonfiction account of animal rescue operations. Smith's background in zoology continued to inspire his nonfiction works, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.

In 1997, Smith ventured into fiction with his debut novel, Thundercave. He has since become well-known for his contribution to children's literature, drawing upon his rich background in animal care and environmental conservation.