Ellen Wittlinger was a critically acclaimed American author, born on October 21, 1948, and she passed away on November 17, 2022.

She was best known for her young adult novels, including the Michael L. Printz Honor book Hard Love, as well as other celebrated works such as Parrotfish, Heart on My Sleeve, Love & Lies: Marisol's Story, Razzle, and What's in a Name. Her novel Hard Love was not only a Printz Honor Book but also a Lambda Literary Award winner and a Booklist Editors' Choice.

Ellen held a bachelor's degree from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, and an M.F.A. from the prestigious University of Iowa Writer's Workshop. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a children's librarian.

She resided in western Massachusetts with her husband.