Christopher Paul Curtis was born on May 10, 1953, in Flint, Michigan, to Dr. Herman Elmer Curtis, a chiropodist, and Leslie Jane Curtis, an educator. His upbringing in Flint significantly influenced his writing, notably reflected in works like Bucking the Sarge, which narrates the story of a fifteen-year-old boy, Luther T. Ferrel, and his confrontations with his slum-lord mother. A hallmark of Curtis's life was his tenure as an autoworker for General Motors, spanning thirteen years after high school. During this period, he pursued part-time studies at the University of Michigan-Flint, earning his degree in 2000.

Curtis's literary career began with his first novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963, published in 1995. The novel garnered immediate national recognition, winning the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Award and the Newbery Honor Book Award, among other accolades. His subsequent novel, Bud, Not Buddy, achieved an unprecedented feat in 2000, making him the first African-American man to win both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award. Curtis has since authored a total of eight novels and contributed to various newspapers, magazines, and books. He founded the Nobody but Curtis Foundation, aiming to enhance literacy levels among children and young adults in North America and Africa.

Curtis is celebrated for his storytelling prowess, particularly his humorous yet impactful exploration of serious issues like racism, poverty, and child abuse. His authentic portrayal of children's experiences and the historical contexts of his stories have established him as a favored author for elementary and middle school educators. Curtis's personal life includes his role as a father to two children, Steven, an ensign in the United States Navy, and Cydney, a college student and accomplished pianist.