David Lubar, born March 16, 1954, is an American author primarily known for his extensive catalog of books aimed at young adults and teens. His early life in Morristown, New Jersey, included frequent visits to various libraries, an environment that perhaps influenced his future career. Lubar pursued higher education at Rutgers University, earning a degree in philosophy. Initially, he attempted to write full-time but found it financially challenging, leading him to explore other avenues.

Lubar's career took a significant turn when he began working in the video game industry in 1982, designing and programming games for multiple platforms including Atari, Apple II, NES, and Game Boy. While still involved in game development, he returned to writing in 1994. He has since published numerous books, often featuring themes of monsters, the supernatural, and everyday challenges for young people. Lubar has also contributed short stories to various collections. He continues to write from his home and has a daughter, Alison.

David Lubar has established himself as a prolific writer for younger audiences, with a body of work that spans numerous standalone novels, series, and short story collections. His books often delve into fantastical elements, frequently featuring monsters, zombies, vampires, and other supernatural creatures, presented in a way that resonates with teen and young adult readers. Series such as "Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie," "Monsterrific Tales," and "Weenies" showcase his ability to explore recurring characters and themes within a consistent narrative framework. While his work is primarily fiction, the exploration of the unusual and the 'other' can be seen as a subtle nod to esoteric interests, inviting readers to contemplate the strange and the unknown through accessible storytelling.

Beyond his literary achievements, David Lubar has a notable background in video game programming and design. Beginning in 1982, he worked on developing and porting games for various early home computer and console systems. His programming credits include titles for Atari, Apple II, Nintendo Entertainment System, and Game Boy. He is recognized for his work on games such as Super Breakout and Frogger for the Game Boy, as well as designing Frogger 2: Swampy's Revenge. This dual career highlights a fascination with interactive digital worlds, a different form of narrative creation and engagement, which he balanced with his passion for writing.

Lubar's academic foundation in philosophy from Rutgers University provides an interesting backdrop to his creative output. While his published works lean towards genre fiction for young readers, his philosophical studies may have informed his approach to character development and thematic exploration. The initial struggle to sustain himself solely through writing led him to the lucrative field of video game development, a path he pursued for many years. However, his desire to return to writing eventually led him to reintegrate it into his life, demonstrating a persistent commitment to storytelling. This journey reflects a thoughtful navigation of creative aspirations and practical realities.