Ronald L Smith

Ronald L. Smith is an author primarily recognized for his contributions to children's literature, particularly within the fantasy and speculative fiction genres. His career began after a stint in advertising, leading him to focus on writing for younger audiences. Smith's early life was marked by frequent moves due to his military family, leading him to live in various locations both within the United States and abroad in Japan. This diverse upbringing may have influenced his imaginative storytelling.

Smith gained significant recognition for his debut novel, 'Hoodoo,' published in 2015. Set in 1930s Alabama, the book earned him the prestigious American Library Association's Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent, highlighting his impactful entry into the literary world. He has since authored other notable titles, including 'The Mesmerist,' 'Black Panther: The Young Prince,' 'The owls have come to take us away,' and 'Gloom Town.' His work on 'Black Panther: The Young Prince' for Marvel Comics was well-received, praised for its engaging narrative and appeal to both comic fans and those new to the genre.

Born in Maine, Ronald L. Smith's childhood was characterized by frequent relocations as part of a military family. This nomadic upbringing saw him reside in numerous places, including Japan, Alabama, Michigan, Washington D.C., South Carolina, and Delaware. From a young age, Smith developed a profound appreciation for fantasy and science fiction literature, which would later inform his own writing career. Before dedicating himself to children's fiction, he initially pursued a path as a writer in the advertising industry.

Ronald L. Smith's career as a children's book author officially began with the publication of his first novel, 'Hoodoo,' in 2015. This critically acclaimed book, set in the American South during the 1930s, garnered him the American Library Association's Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. Following this success, Smith continued to build his bibliography with titles such as 'The Mesmerist' (2017), a story set in turn-of-the-century London, and 'Black Panther: The Young Prince' (2018), a children's novel developed in collaboration with Marvel Comics. His other works include 'The owls have come to take us away' (2019) and 'Gloom Town' (2020).