Simone Elkeles, born on April 24, 1970, is a distinguished American author celebrated for her contributions to young adult fiction, particularly through her Perfect Chemistry trilogy and the How To Ruin trilogy. Elkeles has achieved notable success in her career, becoming a New York Times Bestselling author and a USA Today bestselling author, primarily known for her engaging novels aimed at teenagers.

Her literary prowess was recognized when she won the 2010 RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance from the Romance Writers of America for her book Perfect Chemistry. The sequel, Rules of Attraction, not only graced the USA Today Best Sellers List but also made it to The New York Times Best Sellers List, further cementing her status in the literary world.

Elkeles' work has also been acknowledged by the educational community. She was named Author of the Year by the Illinois Association of Teachers of English, demonstrating the impact of her books on young readers. Her writing has been recognized for its appeal to reluctant readers, with her novels being named to the YALSA Top Ten Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, the YALSA Popular Paperbacks, and the Teens Top Ten lists. Additionally, her books have been added to the Illinois “Read for a Lifetime” Reading List.

Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, where she still resides, Elkeles pursued her education at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, earning a Bachelor’s of Science. Her commitment to crafting compelling narratives for young adults continues to make her one of the most beloved authors in her genre.