John D. Fitzgerald was an American author best known for his beloved The Great Brain series, which follows the adventures of a mischievous boy named Tom in early 20th-century Utah. Born in Price, Utah in 1906, Fitzgerald drew heavily on his own childhood experiences for his writing, infusing his stories with charm, humor, and keen observations of human nature. Before becoming a writer, he worked at various jobs across the United States, including as a railroad brakeman. Fitzgerald's work captures the spirit of small-town life and continues to delight readers of all ages. He passed away in 1988.