Antony John was raised in England on a balanced diet of fish and chips, obscure British comedies, and ABBA’s Greatest Hits. In a fit of teenage rebellion, he decided to pursue a career in classical music, culminating in a Ph.D. in composition and a stint as a college professor. Music plays a major role in his novels, including Busted, Thou Shalt Not Road Trip, and the winner of the ALA's 2011 Schneider Family Book Award for Teens, Five Flavors of Dumb, which is currently in development to be a film. He is also the author of the Elemental trilogy, and the acclaimed standalone novels Imposter, The Other, Better Me and Mascot. He lives in St. Louis with his family.