Jean Craighead George

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1919, she grew up in a family of naturalists and spent much of her childhood exploring the outdoors. That close attention to animals, landscapes, and survival in nature became the heart of her writing.

She went on to become one of America's most beloved writers for children and young adults, publishing more than 100 books. Her best-known works include My Side of the Mountain, a Newbery Honor Book, and Julie of the Wolves, which won the Newbery Medal.

Her books are known for blending strong storytelling with a real respect for the natural world. She died in 2012, but her work continues to inspire young readers to look more closely at wildlife, wilderness, and their place within it.