JAMES PATTERSON is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. He is the author of the Maximum Ride, Witch & Wizard, Daniel X and Middle School novels. This is as well as writing three of the top detective series around - the Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club and Michael Bennett novels - and many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand-alone thrillers. He lives in Florida with his wife and son. James was inspired by his son, who was a reluctant reader, to write books specifically for young readers. James is a founding partner of Booktrust's Children's Reading Fund in the UK. In 2010, James Patterson was voted Author of the Year at the Children's Choice Book Awards in New York.