Rebecca Stead

Rebecca Stead is an American author best known for her award-winning works of children’s and young adult literature. Born in New York City in 1968, she worked as a lawyer before turning her attention to writing full-time. Her background in storytelling and her love for exploring the inner worlds of young people have made her one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary middle-grade fiction.

As an author, Stead gained recognition with her debut novel First Light (2007), but it was her second book, When You Reach Me (2009), that earned widespread acclaim, winning the Newbery Medal. She has since written other beloved titles such as Liar & Spy (2012) and Goodbye Stranger (2015), which continue to explore themes of friendship, identity, and the challenges of growing up. Her works are praised for their emotional depth, intricate plots, and ability to connect with readers of all ages.

Reflecting her approach to storytelling, Stead has said: “Kids think about big questions all the time. I just try to give them the space to explore those questions through stories.” She has also remarked: “Fiction helps us practice empathy—it lets us step into someone else’s life for a while.” These quotes capture her belief in the power of imagination, empathy, and storytelling, which are at the heart of her literary work.