Scott O'Dell was an American author best known for his contribution to children's literature. He penned a total of 26 novels for the younger audience, three novels for adults, and four nonfiction books. His narratives were usually set against historical backdrops, focusing particularly on California and Mexico.

O'Dell's legacy in the realm of children's books is marked by prestigious accolades such as the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1972, which is considered the highest recognition available to creators of children's books. He also received The University of Southern Mississippi Medallion in 1976 and the Catholic Libraries Association Regina Medal in 1978.

His most celebrated work is the historical novel Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960), which not only won the Newbery Medal in 1961 but also the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis when it was translated into German. The novel made its way to the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award list. Among his other notable works, The King's Fifth (1966), The Black Pearl (1967), and Sing Down the Moon (1970) were Newbery Honor books.