Sharon Draper

Sharon M. Draper (born 1948) is an American children's and young adult author, educator, and 1997 National Teacher of the Year. Sharon Draper official bio She is renowned for notable works including the Hazelwood High Trilogy (Tears of a Tiger, Forged by Fire, Darkness Before Dawn), Jericho series, Out of My Mind, and Copper Sun, earning multiple Coretta Scott King Awards. After retiring from teaching, she has become a New York Times bestselling author addressing themes like race, abuse, and disability in African-American youth experiences. Sharon Draper official bio