Jacquelyn Mitchard is an American author best known for her debut novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, which was the first book selected for the Oprah Winfrey Book Club in 1996. Born on November 27, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, she has written numerous novels, children's books, and essays, earning recognition for her storytelling and character development. In addition to her writing, Mitchard has worked as a journalist and editor, contributing to various publications. She has received several awards for her literary work, including the American Library Association's Alex Award. Mitchard continues to be an influential figure in contemporary literature.