Cynthia Voigt, born Cynthia Irving on February 25, 1942, is a distinguished American writer renowned for her contributions to young adult literature. Voigt's narratives span a broad range of themes, including adventure, mystery, racism, and child abuse, resonating deeply with readers across the globe. Her literary debut, Homecoming, part of the Tillerman family series, not only garnered international acclaim but was also nominated for several prestigious awards and adapted into a film in 1996. Her exceptional work, Dicey's Song, was honored with the 1983 Newbery Medal, marking a significant milestone in her career.

In recognition of her substantial impact on teen literature, Voigt received the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1995. This award celebrated her outstanding contribution to writing for teenagers. Over the years, Voigt has been the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Sequoyah Book Award for Angus and Sadie in 2008, the Katahdin Award and the Anne V. Zarrow Award for lifetime achievement in 2003, the Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis for Jackaroo in 1990, the Young Reader Award for Izzy, Willy-Nilly in 1990, the Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis and Zilverengriffel for The Runner in 1988, and the Judy Lopez Medal for Come a Stranger.