Ellen Raskin was an esteemed American children's writer and illustrator, celebrated for her significant contributions to children's literature. Born on March 13, 1928, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she grew up in the shadow of the Great Depression, a period that undoubtedly influenced her storytelling and creative pursuits.

Raskin's most renowned work, The Westing Game, secured the 1979 Newbery Medal, distinguishing it as a masterpiece in the realm of mystery novels for children. This accolade was not her only brush with the Newbery honors; her earlier novel, Figgs & Phantoms, was acknowledged as a Newbery Honor Book in 1975.

Her literary prowess was further acknowledged in 2012 when The Westing Game was ranked ninth all-time among children's novels in a survey published by School Library Journal, a testament to its enduring appeal and significance.

Beyond her writing, Raskin was also an accomplished graphic artist, responsible for designing the dust jackets of numerous books, including the iconic first edition of Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time.

Ellen Raskin's personal life saw her marrying Dennis Flanagan, the editor of Scientific American, in 1965. Unfortunately, her life was cut short when she passed away at the age of 56 on August 8, 1984, in New York City due to complications from connective tissue disease.