Meg Medina is an American children's book author of Cuban descent. Her work celebrates Latino culture and the lives of young people. Medina is recognized as the National Ambassador of Young People's Literature for the years 2023 – 2024. She has earned critical acclaim for her storytelling, often described as 'heartbreaking', 'lyrical', and essential additions to collections.

Medina's literary works span across picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction. Her notable achievements include winning the prestigious 2019 John Newbery Medal for her middle grade novel Merci Suárez Changes Gears and receiving the Pura Belpré Award for Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass in 2014, along with a Pura Belpré Award Honor in 2016 for Mango, Abuela and Me. Her Suárez family trilogy has garnered wide recognition, with the first book being a 2019 Charlotte Huck Honor Book; the second book, Merci Suárez Can't Dance, cited as one of the 50 most anticipated novels of 2021 by Kirkus; and the third book, Merci Suárez Plays It Cool, hailed as a Best Book of 2022 by various publications including PARENTS, Kirkus, and The Horn Book magazines.

As a two-time winner of the Pura Belpré award, Medina has firmly established her position as a significant voice in children's literature. Her stories not only entertain but also provide a cultural touchstone for young Latino readers and beyond.