Laurie Halse Anderson is an American author best known for her young adult novels. She has written over thirty books, including the award-winning Speak, which was a National Book Award Finalist and a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. Anderson has also written several picture books, middle grade novels, and nonfiction books. Her work often focuses on themes of trauma, abuse, and mental health. Anderson has received numerous awards for her writing, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award, the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. She is an advocate for young people and has been a keynote speaker at many conferences and events. Anderson is an inspiration to many aspiring authors.