Scott O’Dell (1898–1989), one of the most respected authors of historical fiction, received the Newbery Medal, three Newbery Honor Medals, and the Hans Christian Andersen Author Medal, the highest international recognition for a body of work by an author of books for young readers. Some of his many books include The Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Road to Damietta, Sing Down the Moon, and The Black Pearl.
Ted has illustrated more than one hundred books for children and also wrote an autobiography entitled I Was a Teenage Professional Wrestler. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife, Betsy, who also illustrates children's books.