Rick Riordan is an American author best known for his fantasy and adventure series for young readers. He is the author of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, the Kane Chronicles, the Heroes of Olympus series, the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series, and the Trials of Apollo series. He has also written several short stories, graphic novels, and non-fiction books. Riordan was born in San Antonio, Texas, and grew up in the suburbs of Houston. He attended Alamo Heights High School and the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a degree in English and History. After college, he worked as a teacher and a writer for Disney Adventures magazine. Riordan's books have been praised for their engaging characters, exciting plotlines, and creative use of Greek and Roman mythology. His books have been translated into over 42 languages and have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Riordan has won numerous awards, including the Children's Choice Book Award, the Mark Twain Award, and the Parents' Choice Award. He is also the founder of the non-profit organization, The Percy Jackson & the Olympians Foundation, which works to promote literacy and creativity in young readers.