Elizabeth George Speare was an acclaimed American writer known for her children's historical fiction. Born on November 21, 1908, in Melrose, Massachusetts, she spent her entire life in New England, a place she adored and never imagined leaving permanently. Her literary career began earnestly only after her children were in junior high, despite a lifelong intention to write.

Speare's works are celebrated for their historical accuracy and engaging storytelling, earning her two Newbery Medals, which honor the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children. In 1989, her significant impact on children's literature was further recognized with the Children's Literature Legacy Award.

She married Alden Speare in 1936 and settled in Connecticut, where she began to write magazine articles about family living, drawing naturally from her daily experiences and thoughts. Her foray into historical fiction was sparked by a true story from New England history that captured her imagination.

Elizabeth George Speare passed away on November 15, 1994, leaving behind a legacy of timeless children's literature.