10 Thrilling Facts About Roland Smith: The Zookeeper Who Became A Bestselling Adventure Author (Updated 2025)
Roland Smith is not just an author; he is a 'story-ologist' whose life of adventure and wildlife conservation directly fuels his New York Times bestselling young adult novels. As of December 22, 2025, Smith continues to be one of the most prolific and relevant voices in middle-grade and YA fiction, with his newest work focusing on global ecological thrillers. His unique background as a former zookeeper and research biologist provides an unparalleled depth of knowledge, making his thrilling stories—from climbing Mount Everest to tracking cryptids—feel incredibly real and immediate.
The latest buzz in the literary world centers on his ongoing The Wildes Series and the highly anticipated new title, confirming that his dedication to crafting high-stakes, eco-adventure fiction is stronger than ever. This deep dive explores the man behind the legendary books, providing a complete biography, a look at his freshest projects, and the real-world experiences that shaped his writing career.
Roland Smith: A Complete Author Biography and Profile
Roland Smith’s life journey from a curious child with a typewriter to an award-winning adventure novelist is a fascinating tale of passion, science, and storytelling. His career trajectory provides the perfect inspiration for the high-stakes, globetrotting adventures that his readers have come to love.
- Full Name: Roland Smith
- Born: November 30, 1951
- Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, USA
- Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Middle-Grade Fiction, Nonfiction for Children
- First Novel: Thunder Cave (1995)
- Key Career Roles: Author, Former Zookeeper, Research Biologist
- Inspiration Source: His extensive experience working with animals and solving wildlife-related problems worldwide.
- Notable Series: The Peak Series, The Cryptid Hunters Series, The I, Q Series, The Wildes Series
- Latest Projects (2023–2024): The Amazon (The Wildes #1), The Vaquita (The Wildes #2), Captivity (due June 2024)
The Zookeeper’s Journey: How Real-World Science Fuels the Fiction
What sets Roland Smith’s novels apart is the undeniable authenticity of the settings, the wildlife, and the high-pressure situations. This realism is not accidental; it stems directly from his decades-long career before becoming a full-time author.
From Cages to Pages: A Unique Career Path
Smith’s love for writing began early, sparked by a manual typewriter given to him by his parents at the age of five. However, his professional life took a significant detour into the world of zoology. He worked for years as a zookeeper and research biologist, a role he describes as being an "animal-ologist."
This hands-on work with animals, which involved complex problem-solving and conservation efforts, became the wellspring for his imaginative fiction. He made a living "basically solving animal problems," which provided him with endless ideas and a deep understanding of animal behavior and ecology.
A significant highlight of his non-writing career was his involvement in wildlife conservation efforts, including work following the devastating Exxon Valdez oil spill. This experience instilled in him a profound appreciation for the natural world and the critical need for conservation, themes that resonate throughout his adventure novels.
The Birth of the Adventure Novelist
Despite the demanding nature of his animal work, Smith never stopped writing, diligently practicing his craft early each morning. His persistence paid off in 1995 with the publication of his first novel, Thunder Cave, an eco-adventure centered around elephants in Kenya. The success of this book set the stage for a career defined by thrilling, educational, and action-packed storytelling.
His novels consistently place children and teens at the heart of the excitement, exploring perilous environments from the summit of Mount Everest in Peak to the dense jungles of the Congo in The Edge.
Roland Smith’s Latest Adventures: The Wildes Series and Captivity (2023–2025)
For fans seeking the most current and fresh content from Roland Smith, his focus is firmly on high-stakes, family-centered ecological adventures, proving his ability to stay relevant in the ever-evolving YA landscape.
The Thrill of The Wildes Series
The most recent major project from Roland Smith is The Wildes Series, which debuted in 2023. This series introduces readers to the extraordinary lives of siblings Ring Wilde and Asia Wilde. Their life is anything but ordinary; instead of attending a regular middle school, their closest friends are endangered monkeys and rare birds.
The first two books in this series immediately dive into global conservation issues:
- The Amazon (The Wildes #1, 2023): The adventure begins in the Amazon rainforest, where Ring and Asia are left under the care of their tutor, Professor Bob, while their parents are away on research. The novel immerses the reader in the heart of the jungle, focusing on the region's unique and threatened ecosystems.
- The Vaquita (The Wildes #2, 2023): The action shifts to the Sea of Cortez, where the Wilde siblings are tasked with rescuing endangered vaquitas, the world's smallest and most endangered marine mammal. This book highlights Smith's commitment to shedding light on real-world conservation crises.
The Anticipated 2024 Title: Captivity
Adding to his impressive bibliography, Smith is set to release a new book titled Captivity in June 2024. While specific plot details are often kept under wraps before release, the title suggests a return to the themes of animal welfare, rescue, and the ethical dilemmas of the human-animal relationship, a topic he is uniquely qualified to explore given his zookeeping background.
The Legacy of Roland Smith: More Than Just Action
While his novels are celebrated for their heart-pounding action—like a fall from a jet at 18,000 feet in *The Edge* or the perilous climb in *Peak*—Roland Smith’s true legacy lies in his ability to weave education and empathy into his thrilling narratives.
His body of work, which includes other popular titles such as *The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe*, *Sasquatch*, *Shatterproof*, and the *I, Q Series*, consistently encourages young readers to engage with history, science, and the environment.
By using his "story-ologist" skills, Smith transforms complex issues like cryptid hunting (*Cryptid Hunters*), political intrigue (*Zach's Lie* and *Jack's Run*), and extreme survival into accessible, compelling, and unforgettable reading experiences. His continuous output of fresh, relevant, and scientifically grounded adventure fiction ensures that Roland Smith remains a vital voice for the next generation of explorers and conservationists.
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