Susan Eloise Hinton is an acclaimed American writer, renowned for revolutionizing the young-adult fiction genre. Born on July 22, 1948, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hinton made her literary debut with The Outsiders in 1967, a novel she penned while still in high school. This pivotal work not only became a staple in educational curriculums but sparked discussions and challenges, being banned in various institutions due to its themes.

Hinton's contribution to literature was recognized in 1988 when she received the inaugural Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association, an honor celebrating her significant impact on writing for teenagers.