Nancy Farmer, born in 1941 in Phoenix, Arizona, is an acclaimed American writer known for her contributions to children's and young adult literature, as well as her work in the realm of science fiction. Over her illustrious career, Farmer has penned several notable works, including three Newbery Honor Books. In 2002, she was awarded the U.S. National Book Award for Young People's Literature for The House of the Scorpion, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Farmer's journey into writing was as adventurous as the stories she crafts. Growing up on the Arizona-Mexico border in a hotel, she started working the switchboard at the tender age of nine. Her youth was filled with unique experiences, such as hanging out in the old state prison and the hobo jungle along the banks of the Colorado River. Her academic pursuits led her to Reed College in Portland, Oregon, where she earned her BA in 1963. Eschewing a conventional career path, Farmer joined the Peace Corps and was sent to India from 1963-1965. Upon returning, she embraced communal living in Berkeley, and her restless spirit later took her to Africa, a journey that began with an attempt to hitchhike by boat.

Farmer's novels are celebrated for their exuberant imagination and adventurous spirit. Her work has been translated into over 20 languages, reaching a global audience and cementing her status as one of the most revered voices in young adult literature.