Born in Pennsylvania, Jack Gantos started school labeled as a "slow reader". When he was, seven, his family moved to Barbados where he attended British schools for several years. While finishing his education in Florida, Jack spent much of his time alone, reading, in places like an abandoned bookmobile. In high school he decided to become a writer, and in college he began to make that dream a reality.

Since that time, he has written books for people of all ages, from picture books and middle school fiction to novels for young adults and adults. His stories about Rotten Ralph and Joey Pigza continue to amuse children and their parents.