Chris Crutcher is an acclaimed American novelist and family therapist born on July 17, 1946. He is well-known for his impactful works focused on young adults and has been recognized for his lifetime contribution to writing for teens with the prestigious Margaret A. Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 2000.

Crutcher's writing is often controversial and has faced challenges and bans from individuals seeking to censor his books from libraries and classrooms. Works such as Running Loose and Athletic Shorts were among the top 100 most frequently challenged books from 1990 to 2000, as listed by the ALA.

His novels typically portray teens dealing with serious issues such as abusive parents, racial and religious prejudice, mental and physical disabilities, and poverty. These themes are often considered too mature for children. Other reasons cited for censorship include the use of strong language and depictions of homosexuality. Despite the controversies, Crutcher's work has garnered numerous awards.