Cynthia Leitich Smith is a New York Times best-selling author of fiction for children and young adults. A citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation, she writes fiction centered on the lives of modern-day Native Americans, which are widely taught in educational institutions from elementary to college levels. Besides, she is known for her fanciful and humorous picture books and gothic fantasies for older teens.

Smith was named a 2025 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Candidate, the NSK Neustadt Laureate, and inducted into the Texas Literary Hall of Fame. She is also the recipient of the Southern Miss Medallion for Outstanding Contributions in Children’s Literature.

Cynthia Leitich Smith is the author-curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint at HarperCollins Children’s Books, and served as the Katherine Paterson Inaugural Chair for the children’s-YA writing MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts. She makes her home in Texas.

Some of her notable works include the Tantalize series, Feral trilogy, and Hearts Unbroken, published by Candlewick Press. Her Native children's books, such as Jingle Dancer, Rain Is Not My Indian Name, and Indian Shoes, have also received critical acclaim.

She is actively involved in promoting diverse literature as a member of the Honorary Advisory Board of the We Need Diverse Books nonprofit organization. Smith is a popular writing teacher and serves on the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults.

Her contributions to writing and literature have earned her numerous accolades, and she has been featured at the National Book Festival.