Because of Shoe and Other Dog Stories

Margarita Engle is a Cuban American poet, novelist, and journalist whose work has been published in many countries. She is the author of young adult nonfiction books and novels in verse including The Surrender Tree, a Newbery Honor Book, The Poet Slave of Cuba, Hurricane Dancers, The Firefly Letters, and Tropical Secrets. She lives in northern California.

Valerie Hobbs is the author of Sheep, Defiance, and several other middle grade and young adult novels. She is known for her finely tuned realism and memorable characters. She lives in Santa Barbara, California.

JON J MUTH has written and illustrated many acclaimed picture books including his Caldecott Honor title, Zen Shorts, which Kirkus proclaimed, “As perfect a picture as can be”; and The Three Questions, which the New York Times Book Review called “quietly life-changing.” His book Zen Ties was a New York Times bestseller. He lives in New York State with his wife and four children.

Wendy Orr has written more than twenty children’s books, including Nim’s Island. She lives on a dairy farm in Australia with her family.

Matt de la Peña's books for young adults include Mexican WhiteBoy, We Were Here and I Will Save You. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.