Scott David Westerfeld is a renowned American writer of young adult fiction, best known for his popular series such as the Uglies and Leviathan series. Born on May 5, 1963, in Texas, Westerfeld has made significant contributions to the world of young adult literature. He has authored thirty novels, including five for adults and twenty-five for young adults.

Westerfeld's Uglies series, set in a future where cosmetic surgery is mandatory at the age of sixteen, has garnered a massive readership and will be adapted into a Netflix movie in late 2024. The Leviathan series, a steampunk retelling of World War I, is also set to become an anime series streaming on Netflix in 2025.

Other notable works by Westerfeld include the Zeroes trilogy, co-authored with Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti, and the Midnighters trilogy. His standalone novels set in contemporary New York include So Yesterday, Peeps, The Last Days, and Afterworlds.

His books have won numerous awards, including the Philip K Dick Special Citation, the Aurealis Award, and the Victorian Premier’s Award. They have also been recognized as NY Times Notable Books and BBYA Top Ten Children’s Books of the Year. Besides fiction, Westerfeld has contributed nonfiction to publications like Nerve and BookForum, and has occasionally worked as a ghostwriter.

Beyond writing, Westerfeld has held various jobs, including factory worker, substitute teacher, textbook editor, and software designer. He is married to writer Justine Larbalestier, and they divide their time between New York City and Sydney, Australia.