Sharon Draper is the acclaimed author of many books for teens, including the NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers WE BEAT THE STREET and COPPER SUN, the 2007 Coretta Scott King Award winner. Additional works include FORGED BY FIRE, TEARS OF A TIGER, and THE BATTLE OF JERICHO, all Coretta Scott King Honor Books. Sharon is also the author of the middle-grade Sassy series, including LITTLE SISTER IS NOT MY NAME, THE BIRTHDAY STORM, THE SILVER SECRET, and THE DAZZLE DISASTER DINNER PARTY. A highly respected educator and speaker, Sharon was the 1997 National Teacher of the Year.