Melvin Burgess is a renowned British author known for his impactful children's fiction. Born on April 25, 1954, he became a prominent figure in the literary world with his groundbreaking work, Junk, published in 1996, which explored the lives of heroin-addicted teenagers in Bristol. This book gained significant notoriety and became one of the decade's most recognized young adult novels in Britain.

His first book, The Cry of the Wolf, was published in 1990 and was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Burgess continued to stir discussion with works like Doing It in 2003, which dealt with themes of underage sex and was adapted into the American television series, Life As We Know It.

Melvin's writing often delves into the hidden truths behind societal norms and conventions. He has published over twenty books and has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.

Before becoming a successful writer, Melvin had a varied career, including a stint as a journalist. Now, he resides in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, with his partner Anita.