Xiran Jay Zhao is a Chinese-Canadian author known for writing young adult fantasy novels. Their debut book, Iron Widow, gained significant attention for its unique blend of Chinese history and science fiction elements, exploring themes of gender and power. In addition to being an author, Zhao is also a content creator on platforms like YouTube, where they share insights about writing, culture, and their personal experiences. Their work often highlights the importance of representation in literature, particularly for marginalized voices in the young adult genre.