Scott O'Dell (May 23, 1898 – October 16, 1989) was an
American author of 26 novels for young people, along with three novels for adults and four nonfiction books. He wrote historical fiction, primarily, including several children's novels about historical
California and
Mexico. For his contribution as a children's writer he received the biennial, international
Hans Christian Andersen Award in 1972, the highest recognition available to creators of children's books. He received
The University of Southern Mississippi Medallion in 1976 and the Catholic Libraries Association
Regina Medal in 1978.