Scott Westerfeld is an American author known for his contributions to young adult fiction. He was born on May 5, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. Westerfeld gained popularity for his series, including Uglies, Pretties, and Specials, which explore themes of beauty, identity, and societal norms. His writing often combines elements of science fiction and fantasy. In addition to the Uglies series, Westerfeld has written other notable works such as Leviathan and The Midnighters. He has received several awards for his writing, including the Katherine Paterson Prize for his contributions to children's literature. Westerfeld continues to be an influential figure in the literary world.