Emily X.R. Pan is an award-winning author and illustrator of young adult fiction. She is best known for her debut novel, The Astonishing Color of After, which won the Michael L. Printz Award and was a finalist for the National Book Award. Emily was born in Taiwan and raised in the United States, and her work often explores themes of identity, family, and belonging. She is passionate about creating stories that celebrate diversity and foster empathy. Emily is also an advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken publicly about her own struggles with depression and anxiety. Her work has been praised for its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, and she continues to inspire readers around the world.