June Rae Wood is an American author known for her compelling storytelling and heartfelt narratives. She was born in 1946 in Sedalia, Missouri.

Wood gained recognition for her book, The Man Who Loved Clowns, which won the Mark Twain Award and William Allen White Award in 1995. The story was inspired by her personal life experiences, particularly her relationship with her brother Richard, who was born with Down's syndrome and a heart defect. Despite the grim predictions of doctors, Richard lived, walked, and talked, becoming a significant influence in Wood's life and work.

As the second child in a family of eight, she grew up in a household where all children received special attention, with her brother Richard holding a special place in her heart, affectionately called "Dickey-b" by their mother.