Madeleine L'Engle was an American author best known for her science fiction and fantasy works, particularly the novel A Wrinkle in Time. Born on November 29, 1918, in New York City, she published over 60 books, including novels, essays, and children's literature. Her writing often explores themes of love, faith, and the battle between good and evil. L'Engle's literary career began in the 1940s, but she gained widespread recognition in 1962 with A Wrinkle in Time, which won the Newbery Medal. She was also a lifelong advocate for the arts and education, serving as a writer-in-residence at Dartmouth College.