Laurie Halse

Laurie Halse Anderson (born October 23, 1961) is an American author known for young adult and children’s literature. She grew up in upstate New York and later earned a B.A. in languages from Georgetown University. Anderson first gained wide recognition with her debut novel, *Speak* (1999), which follows a high school freshman coping with trauma and has been both acclaimed and frequently challenged. Her other notable YA novels include *Catalyst*, *Twisted*, and the historical fiction *Chains*, the first book in the Seeds of America trilogy. Anderson’s work often addresses difficult subjects with empathy and candor, and she has received numerous literary honors.