Cynthia Kadohata is an American author known for her children's and young adult literature. She was born on May 30, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, and is of Japanese descent. Kadohata gained recognition for her ability to weave cultural themes into her stories, often drawing from her own experiences. Her most notable work, Kira-Kira, won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2005. The book tells the story of a Japanese American family and explores themes of hope and resilience. Kadohata has written several other acclaimed novels, including Weedflower and A Place to Belong, further establishing her reputation in contemporary literature.