Rebecca Stead is an American children’s author. She graduated from Vassar College in 1989. She is the author of three popular children's books: First Light, When You Reach Me, and Liar & Spy.[1]
Stead was born in New York City on January 16, 1968.[2] From the time she was young, she was interested in literature and writing. She worked as a lawyer and public defender several years.[1] Stead is married to a lawyer named Sean O’Brien. They have two children. She began writing again when she was raising her children.[2]
Stead has written three young adult books. Her first book, First Light, was published in 2007. It is about a young boy who is studying climate change.[3] Her second book, When You Reach Me, was published in 2009. It is a mix of mystery, historical fiction, and a school story. It won the Newbery Medal in 2010. Her next book, Liar and Spy, was published in 2012. This book is about a seventh grade boy living in Brooklyn, New York, and how he feels about problems with his best friend. Liar and Spy won the Guardian Prize in 2013.[2] Her latest book is Goodbye Stranger.