Ruta Sepetys, born on November 19, 1967, is a renowned Lithuanian-American writer of historical fiction. Sepetys has achieved significant acclaim in her career, being a New York Times and international bestseller, as well as the recipient of prestigious awards such as the Carnegie Medal and The Josette Frank Award for Fiction. Her status as a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Fellow highlights her contribution to literature. Sepetys holds the distinction of being the first American writer of young adult literature to address both the European Parliament and NATO, showcasing her work's impact beyond traditional literary circles.

Her novels have reached audiences worldwide, with her work being published in over sixty countries and translated into forty languages. Currently, her stories are in development for adaptations in film and television, promising to bring her compelling narratives to an even broader audience.

Born and raised in Michigan in a family of artists, readers, and music lovers, Sepetys is the daughter of a refugee. Her work is deeply influenced by her desire to share underrepresented stories of strength through struggle, aiming to give voice to those who were unable to tell their own stories. Her award-winning historical novels have garnered over forty literary prizes, affirming her role as a significant figure in contemporary literature.

For more information, visit her website at www.rutasepetys.com.