Laurie Halse Anderson

Laurie Halse Anderson is a distinguished American author, well-known for her work in children's and young adult fiction. She was born on October 23, 1961, in Potsdam, New York, and went on to attend Georgetown University after spending a formative year in Denmark during her high school years. Her time in Denmark significantly influenced her life, inspiring her to pursue higher education and ultimately become a writer.

Anderson began her writing career as a freelance journalist, contributing to The Philadelphia Inquirer while simultaneously working on children's and young adult books. She gained considerable recognition with the publication of her novel Speak, which tackled sensitive topics with humor and sensitivity. The book was a commercial success, making the New York Times bestseller list and earning several awards. It was later adapted into a film starring Kristen Stewart.

In addition to Speak, Anderson has written the Vet Volunteers series and numerous other novels for young readers and teens. Her books have collectively sold over 8 million copies, and she has been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award four times. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists, and two more, Shout and The Impossible Knife of Memory, were long-listed for the National Book Award. She has also received the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.

Anderson is a passionate advocate for diversity in publishing and regularly speaks out against censorship. She is a member of RAINN's National Leadership Council and has been honored by the National Coalition Against Censorship and the National Council of Teachers of English for her work. She currently resides in Philadelphia with her husband and four children, where she continues to write and advocate for important social issues.