Shirley Rousseau Murphy

Shirley Rousseau Murphy (1928-2014) was an American writer of children's and young adult fiction. Born in San Diego, California, she began writing as a young girl and published her first novel, "Wild Horses," in 1961. Murphy's writing often focused on strong female characters, environmental issues, and themes of identity. Notable works include "The Mansion in the Mist" (1972), which received a Newbery Honor; "A Pieced Quilt for Sally" (1975), awarded the 1976 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award; and "The Song of the Loon" (1982), which was a National Book Award finalist. Murphy's books have been translated into several languages and have received critical acclaim for their imaginative storytelling, vivid characters, and exploration of complex themes.