Gary D. Schmidt is the bestselling author of The Labors of Hercules Beal; Just Like That; National Book Award finalist Okay for Now; Pay Attention, Carter Jones; Orbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy; and the Newbery Honor Book The Wednesday Wars. He is also a contributor to and coeditor, with Leah Henderson, of the acclaimed short story collection A Little Bit Super. He lives in rural Michigan.
Jane Manning has illustrated dozens of children's books, several of which she also wrote. She lives in Deep River, Connecticut.
Elizabeth Stickney is the pen name of Gary's late wife. Anne Schmidt wrote essays, poetry, and several picture book texts.