Bette Jean Greene (née Evensky; June 28, 1934 – October 2, 2020) was an acclaimed author known for her books for children and young adults, including the notable works Summer of My German Soldier, The Drowning of Stephan Jones, and the Newbery Honor-winning Philip Hall Likes Me, I Reckon Maybe. Raised in Parkin, Arkansas, amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II, Greene's experiences as a Jewish girl in the American South deeply influenced her writing. Her narratives often explore themes of injustice and alienation, with Summer of My German Soldier drawing heavily on her own childhood.

Greene's contributions to literature have been recognized with several awards, including the Golden Kite Award, ALA Notable Book Award, and Newbery Honor. Her legacy extends beyond these accolades; as a screenwriter and news reporter, her work has been embraced worldwide, translated into over 16 languages. Remarkably, Greene began her career in journalism at the tender age of eight, marking her as the 20th century's youngest professional news reporter. Her debut novel, Summer of My German Soldier, not only won the first "Golden Kite" award but also outsold Prince Charles’ book in the United Kingdom, highlighting her international appeal and the universal resonance of her stories.