About the Author

John Lissaris (JJ) has been writing since childhood. His poem “A Book Is a Best Friend,” written in Mrs. Farran’s second-grade class, was his first critical success—and he hasn’t looked back since.

As an adult, he has written two musicals for middle-school students (Different Lives, Star Harbor)—both performed by the schools’ drama clubs where he taught. He has also penned a young-adult novella (The Perfect Moment) and a musical (Finally Time) based on the novella. Most recently, he has written a middle-grade play (Notes) and three middle-grade books in a series inspired by the play. He is currently adapting this musical, Back to Star Harbor, into a novel that he hopes to release later this year.

JJ was born and (mostly) raised in Brooklyn, New York. He now resides in New Jersey with his wife, daughter, son, and devilishly handsome—yet ridiculously dramatic—Boston terrier.