Louis Sachar is an American author best known for his children's and young adult books. He gained widespread recognition for his novel Holes, which won the prestigious Newbery Medal and the National Book Award in 1999. Sachar's writing often combines humor with important life lessons, making his stories engaging for readers of all ages. Born on March 20, 1954, in East Meadow, New York, Sachar studied at University of California, Berkeley. He began his writing career in the 1980s and has published numerous books, including the popular Wayside School series. His unique storytelling style and memorable characters have made him a beloved figure in children's literature.