Mildred Taylor is an American author best known for her children's and young adult literature. Born on September 13, 1943, in Jackson, Mississippi, she grew up in a family that valued storytelling and history. Her most famous work, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, won the 1977 Newbery Medal and is part of a series that explores the experiences of an African American family in the South during the 1930s. Taylor's writing often reflects her own family's history and the struggles they faced with racism and injustice. Through her stories, she aims to educate young readers about the importance of heritage and the impact of social issues. Her works have received numerous awards and continue to be celebrated in schools and libraries.