Joan Bauer is the author of thirteen books for young readers. Joan's first novel, Squashed, won the Delacorte Prize for a First Young Adult Novel. Five novels for young adult readers have followed: Thwonk, Sticks, Rules of the Road (LA Times Book Prize and Golden Kite), Backwater and Hope was Here (Newbery Honor Medal). The Christopher Award was given to both Hope was Here and Close to Famous, which also received the Schneider Family Book Award. Joan is the recipient of numerous state awards voted by readers.

School Library Journal says, "When it comes to creating strong, independent, and funny characters, Bauer is in a class by herself."

Joan Bauer lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at www.joanbauer.com.