Gratz’s next books were Something Rotten (2007) and Something Wicked (2008), both part of the Horatio Wilkes Mysteries series. Set in Tokyo, Japan, in 1890, the book blends historical customs of the samurai with modern activities such as baseball. Gratz’s first published book was Samurai Shortstop (2006). Gratz held a variety of jobs, including as a middle-school teacher, while he wrote and submitted manuscripts to publishers. He attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, earning a bachelor’s degree with a focus on creative writing and a master’s degree in English education. He wanted to be a writer from an early age. Gratz was born on January 27, 1972, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In 2004–05 Gratz wrote a few episodes of the television documentary series City Confidential. He also wrote plays, magazine articles, and radio commercials.

American author Alan Gratz was best known for writing books for middle-school children and young adults. As well, despite the historical time setting, the issues the characters face are still timely.' - School Library Journal 'Gratz manages to provide distinct, complex personalities and a nail-biting plot.' - BCCB 'This excellent resource will allow teachers to collaborate across both the language arts and history curriculum due to its meditative look at the global scope, outcome, and human costs of war. PRAISE FOR ALLIES 'Both an excellent, inclusive narration of important historical events and a fast-paced, entertaining read.' - Kirkus 'A tautly paced and multifaceted portrait of the D-Day invasion.' - Publishers Weekly 'The stories and characters are meticulously researched, honest, and do not avoid the horror of the invasion. Alan Gratz, author of the New York Times bestselling Refugee, explores the necessity of teamwork and heroism in dismantling tyranny in this epic, yet personal, look at D-Day in time for the 75th anniversary of the operation. From the young US soldiers in the boats to spies in the French countryside, the coordination of thousands came together. And so people - and kids - across the globe lent their part. No less than world cooperation would bring down Hitler and the Axis powers. the most expansive military endeavor in history. 'A rousing and humane tribute to D-Day troops' - New York Times Book Review From Alan Gratz, the highly acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of the blockbuster Refugee, comes another thrilling multi-perspective novel, this time centered around D-Day.

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