Cynthia Voigt is an American author known for her engaging books for young adults that tackle themes such as adventure, mystery, racism, and child abuse. Born on February 25, 1942, she gained recognition for her Tillerman family series, with the first book, Homecoming, being nominated for several international prizes and adapted into a film in 1996. Her novel, Dicey's Song, earned her the prestigious 1983 Newbery Medal.

In 1995, Voigt was honored with the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association, recognizing her outstanding contribution to writing for teens. Her works have received numerous accolades, including the Sequoyah Book Award in 2008, the Katahdin Award and the Anne V. Zarrow Award for lifetime achievement in 2003, as well as international awards like the Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis and the Zilverengriffel.