Joan Bauer

About

American author whose works of young adult fiction include Backwater (1999) and Hope Was Here (2000). Her books often focus on teenage protagonists who face family, substance abuse, and self-esteem issues.

Before Fame

In her early adulthood, she worked for the Chicago Tribune and McGraw-Hill. She published her first novel, Squashed, in 1992.

Trivia

She received several prestigious literary honors, including the Newbery Award and the Golden Kite Award.

Family Life

She was born in Illinois and later settled in New York City. She and her husband, Doug Langham, became parents to one daughter.

Associated With

She and author Mildred Taylor were both recipients of the Newbery Medal.