Linda Sue Park is an accomplished American author, recognized for writing young adult fiction and children's literature that often explores her Korean heritage. Born in Urbana, Illinois, in 1960, she showed early passion for literature which led her to earn a degree in English from Stanford University. Before becoming a full-time writer, Park had various roles, including public relations writer and an English teacher. Her first book "Seesaw Girl" was published in 1999. However, she gained significant recognition in 2002 when she received the prestigious Newbery Medal for her novel "A Single Shard," a story set in 12th-century Korea. Some of her other popular works include "Project Mulberry," "When My Name Was Keoko," and the "Wing & Claw" trilogy. Apart from writing, Park is also an advocate for diversity in literature and an engaging speaker, visiting schools and libraries to encourage reading and writing.