Jean Craighead George

Jean Craighead George was a renowned author, born in Washington D.C. on July 2, 1912. She was born into a family of naturalists, with her father, mother, brothers, aunts, and uncles all having a keen interest in the natural world. This upbringing influenced her greatly, as she began writing in third grade and continued to do so for the rest of her life, producing over 100 books. George is best known for her children's fiction, which often explores themes related to the environment and the natural world. Some of her most notable works include "Julie of the Wolves," which won the Newbery Medal in 1973, and "My Side of the Mountain," a Newbery Honor Book from 1960.

George's love for nature was not just limited to her writing, as she kept over 173 pets in her home in Chappaqua, New York, not including dogs and cats. These animals often became characters in her books and articles, as she observed their behavior and interactions with the world around them. George's passion for the natural world was passed down to her children, Twig C. George, Craig, and T. Luke George, who all went on to become environmental scientists or writers.

In addition to her children's fiction, George also wrote at least two guides for cooking with wild foods, as well as an autobiography, "Journey Inward." She was a member of the White House Press Corps in the 1940s and graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Science and Literature. George continued to travel and write well into her later years, collaborating with award-winning composer Chris Kubie to bring the sounds of nature to her words. She passed away on May 15, 2012, but her legacy as a writer and advocate for the natural world lives on.