Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys is a highly acclaimed American author, well-known for her work in historical fiction. Born in Michigan, Sepetys comes from a family of artists, readers, and music lovers, and was raised in an environment that fostered her love for storytelling. As the daughter of a refugee, Sepetys is particularly drawn to underrepresented stories of strength and struggle, with a desire to give voice to those who were unable to tell their own stories.

Sepetys' work has received significant critical acclaim and has won or been nominated for numerous awards. She has been awarded the Rockefeller Foundation’s prestigious Bellagio Fellowship for her studies on human resilience, and has even been honored with the Cross of the Knight of the Order by the President of Lithuania for her contributions to education and memory preservation. Sepetys' books have been published in over sixty countries and have received over forty literary prizes, a testament to her widespread appeal and the impact of her writing.

In addition to her accolades, Sepetys is also known for her unique style of writing and storytelling. Her stories deal with heavier subject matter, but are written in a clear and engaging manner that really draws readers in. She has a knack for writing directly and to the point, making her novels accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of readers. Sepetys' ability to tackle complex and important topics in a way that is both accessible and engaging has made her a beloved and bestselling author in the historical fiction genre.