Rachel Russell grew up in Saint Joseph, Michigan, a small city located on the shore of Lake Michigan. She wrote and illustrated her first book in 6th grade as a birthday present for her brothers.

Rachel went to college to become an attorney, but she enjoys writing children's books more than practicing law. Her popular Dork Diaries series is based on experiences she and her two daughters had in middle school. Book 3, Tales from a Not-so-Talented Pop Star is being released June 7.