Patricia Reilly Giff was an esteemed American author and teacher, renowned for her contributions to children's literature. Born on April 26, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, she dedicated her life to education and storytelling.

Giff pursued her education at Marymount Manhattan College, earning a B.A. degree. She furthered her studies at St. John's University with an M.A., and at Hofstra University, where she obtained a Professional Diploma in Reading and a Doctorate of Humane Letters. Her extensive background in education led her to a twenty-year career as a full-time teacher before she transitioned to writing.

Her literary oeuvre consists of beloved children's books, including the Kids of the Polk Street School series, the Friends and Amigos series, and the Polka Dot Private Eye series. Her novels for older readers, such as The Gift of the Pirate Queen, All the Way Home, Water Street, Nory Ryan's Song, Lily's Crossing, and Pictures of Hollis Woods, have received significant acclaim, gaining recognition from ALA-ALSC and ALA-YALSA.

Giff's work earned her numerous honors, including the Newbery Honor and the Christopher Award. Her influence extended beyond her written work, as she inspired other authors like Tony Abbott and Elise Broach through her writing workshops. Throughout her life, she lived in Trumbull, Connecticut, with her husband, Jim, and their three children.

Patricia Reilly Giff passed away on June 22, 2021, due to cancer, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire young readers and writers alike.