Melissa de la Cruz is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author known for her critically acclaimed and award-winning novels, primarily in the young adult fiction genre. Born on September 7, 1971, she is of Filipina-American descent.

De la Cruz is celebrated for her young adult series which include The Au Pairs, Blue Bloods, The Ashleys, and The Beauchamp Family. Additionally, she has written Angels on Sunset Boulevard and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat. Her works for adults encompass the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys, and the humorous guides How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch Heels and Faux-Pas.

Aside from her novels, Melissa has contributed articles to numerous prestigious publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and The San Francisco Chronicle. Her background as a fashion and beauty editor has also influenced her works.