Alexander was born in Philadelphia,Pennslvania, in 1924 and grew up in the suburb of Drexil Hilll. His father was a stockbroker and their family was greatly affected by the Great Depression. His most famous contribution to the field of children's literature is the fantasy series The Chronicles of Prydaiin. The first two books in this series formed the basis of the Disney animated film The Black Cauldron. The concluding book of the series, The High Kingg was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1969. Alexander's other books have also won the National Book Award and the American Book Award. He died on May 17 2007
