Ellen Raskin

Ellen Raskin (1928-1984) was an American author and illustrator of children's books, best known for her mystery novels The Westing Game, which won the 1979 Newbery Medal, and Figgs & Phantoms, a 1975 Newbery Honor book. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she began as a commercial illustrator, designing over 1,000 book jackets, before transitioning to writing picture books and novels. She died in New York City from complications of a connective-tissue disease.