Christopher Paul Curtis is a renowned American children's book author born on May 10, 1953. His debut novel, The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963, published in 1995, brought him immediate national recognition as it received the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Award and the Newbery Honor Book Award, among other accolades. In 2000, Curtis made history by becoming the first person to win both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award for his second novel Bud, Not Buddy. He also became the first African-American man to win the Newbery Medal. His book The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 was later adapted into a television film in 2013.

Curtis has authored a total of eight novels and contributed introductions to several prominent books, as well as articles for numerous newspapers and magazines. Following his initial successes, he established the Nobody but Curtis Foundation to enhance literacy levels among children and young adults in North America and Africa.

Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Curtis worked as an autoworker at General Motors for thirteen years after graduating from high school. During this period, he attended the University of Michigan-Flint as a part-time student and eventually earned his degree in 2000. Curtis is highly praised for his storytelling skills and his adept use of humor to address serious subjects like racism, poverty, and child abuse. His ability to authentically depict the experiences of children and share historical narratives in an engaging manner has made him a popular author in elementary and middle school curricula.