Cindy Baldwin is a poet, essayist, and author of middle-grade fiction. Her debut novel, "Where the Watermelons Grow," published in 2018, earned widespread acclaim, including recognition as a Bank Street Best Book of 2019, an Indie Next Pick, and a Washington Post KidsPost Summer Book Club selection. She followed this success with "Beginners Welcome" in 2020 and "The Stars of Whistling Ridge" in 2021. Her most recent work, "No Matter the Distance," was released in February 2023. Baldwin's novels often explore themes of resilience, family, and self-discovery, resonating with young readers and critics alike.
Born in North Carolina, Baldwin drew inspiration from her childhood in Durham for her first novel, setting "Where the Watermelons Grow" in a small town reminiscent of her hometown. Now residing just outside Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter, she continues to craft heartfelt stories rooted in personal and emotional depth. Baldwin's passion for writing began in middle school, where she nurtured a love for literature and dreamed of creating stories that would captivate readers. Her works have garnered multiple accolades, including an Oregon Spirit Book Award Honor, further cementing her place as a distinctive voice in children's literature.