J.J. Smithson grew up in the hamlet of Minaki, Ontario. He has worked as an elementary school teacher and a fish biologist. He was a reluctant reader growing up but has since discovered the joy of...view moreJ.J. Smithson grew up in the hamlet of Minaki, Ontario. He has worked as an elementary school teacher and a fish biologist. He was a reluctant reader growing up but has since discovered the joy of reading and writing middle grade adventure/fantasy. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the mountains and rivers near his home in the East Kootenays with his wife and two children.view less