Ionel Teodoreanu was a Romanian novelist and lawyer, best known for his works on childhood and adolescence. Born Ioan Hipolit Teodoreanu on 6 January 1897 in Iaşi, Romania, he came from a family of intellectuals. His father, Osvald Teodoreanu, and his older brother, Păstorel Teodoreanu, were also prominent figures, with Păstorel being a well-known writer.

Teodoreanu pursued a career in law, following in his father's footsteps. He graduated from the National High School in Iaşi and obtained his Law degree in 1919. Despite his legal profession, Ionel was deeply attracted to literature.

His literary debut came in 1919 with the sketch "Bunicii" ("The Grandparents") published in the review Însemnări literare. His first published book was a collection of short stories titled "Uliţa copilăriei" ("Childhood Lane") in 1923. Teodoreanu's work is celebrated for its exploration of youth and the complexities of growing up.