Chris Crutcher is an American novelist and a family therapist. Born on July 17, 1946, he is particularly renowned for his work in young adult fiction. His stories often revolve around adolescents facing challenging circumstances, including abusive parents, racial and religious prejudice, mental and physical disabilities, and poverty.

Crutcher's writing is known for its controversial and candid approach, which has led to frequent challenges and even bans in some schools and libraries. Notably, his works Running Loose and Athletic Shorts were listed on the ALA's top 100 most frequently challenged books for the decade of 1990-2000. The books are often challenged due to their mature themes, strong language, and depictions of homosexuality.

Despite the controversies, Chris Crutcher's contributions to literature have been recognized with numerous awards. He was honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Award by the American Library Association in 2000, acknowledging his significant contribution to writing for teens.