Cynthia Voigt is an American writer known for her impactful books for young adults. Born on February 25, 1942, her work often delves into themes such as adventure, mystery, racism, and child abuse. Her prominent series, the Tillerman family series, began with the book Homecoming, which received several international nominations and was adapted into a film in 1996. Another book in the series, Dicey's Song, earned her the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1983.

Throughout her career, Voigt has been honored multiple times, including receiving the Margaret Edwards Award in 1995 from the American Library Association for her significant contribution to writing for teens. Her accolades also include the Sequoyah Book Award in 2008 for Angus and Sadie, the Katahdin Award and the Anne V. Zarrow Award both in 2003, the Rattenfanger-Literatur Preis in 1990 for Jackaroo, the Young Reader Award in 1990 for Izzy, Willy-Nilly, and the Deutscher Jungenliteraturpreis in 1988 for The Runner. Her book Come a Stranger was also honored with the Judy Lopez Medal.