Sharon Mills Draper is an acclaimed American children's writer and a professional educator. Born on August 21, 1948, she has been recognized as the 1997 National Teacher of the Year. Draper is a celebrated author, being a two-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award for her books that explore the young and adolescent African-American experience.

She is widely known for her series such as Hazelwood and Jericho, and standalone works like Copper Sun, Double Dutch, Out of My Mind, and Romiette and Julio. Additionally, she is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award and a New York Times bestselling author.

Sharon Draper resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.