Sharon Draper published her first novel in 1994, and since then she has published over 15 books for middle and high school readers. Draper has made a lasting contribution to the field of young adult literature; this book, which shares her life and work, will be beneficial to the field of young adult literature.

KaaVonia Hinton is assistant professor at Old Dominion University. She is the author of Angela Johnson: Poetic Prose (Scarecrow, 2006).