Harriett Mulford Stone Lothrop, better known by her pseudonym Margaret Sidney, was an American author born on June 22, 1844, and passed away on August 2, 1924. She gained popularity through her children's stories and notably wrote the Five Little Peppers series. The Pepper family quickly became beloved by readers all over America, as young people avidly followed the adventures of Ben, Polly, Joel, Davie, and Phronsie. Despite facing many plausible trials and obstacles, they remain eternally optimistic, reflecting the real-life issues of many of their readers.

In addition to her writing, Lothrop ran her husband Daniel Lothrop's publishing company after his death and was instrumental in making their home, The Wayside, a center of literary life. She was also the founder of the Children of the American Revolution.