Megan Whalen Turner is an American author known for her work in children's and young adult literature. She gained widespread recognition for her series, the Queen's Thief, which includes the acclaimed novel The Thief. Her writing often features themes of political intrigue, complex characters, and rich world-building. Turner was born on December 10, 1965, in Boulder, Colorado. She studied at Eugene Lang College and later earned a degree in English Literature from Smith College. Her storytelling has earned her several awards, including the Newbery Honor for her contributions to literature.