Chris Crutcher, born on July 17th grew up in Cascade, Idaho. He graduated from Eastern Washington University, taught and directed alternative school before writing his first book, Running Loose, in 1982. He is the critically acclaimed author of six novels and a collection of short stories for teenagers, all chosen as ALA Best Books.
In 2000, he was awarded the American Library Association's Margaret A. Edwards Award, honoring his lifetime contributions in writing for teens. Drawing on his experience as an athlete, teacher, family therapist, and child protection specialist, he unflinchingly writes about real and often-ignored issues that face teenagers today. In 2002, his autobiography, King of the Mild Frontier was published to good reviews. His latest book is Deadline, a novel about a high school senior who discovers he has leukemia, has one year to live, and decides to keep it a secret. Crutcher lives in Spokane, Washington.
—Karen Ritz
