Maia Wojciechowska was a Polish-born novelist, biographer, poet, and translator who had long been considered an influential and respected figure in young adult and juvenile literature. Described by John R. Tunis in the New York Times Book Review as "a magnificent writer," Wojciechowska's skill for accurately writing with sensitivity about the various problems confronting young people today in their search to find their own identity was admired and appreciated by her many loyal readers. Awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1965 for Shadow of a Bull, Wojciechowska created many unique and memorable characters who courageously confront and resolve their problems.

One has only to look at Wojciechowska's adventurous life to understand the inspiration behind many of her popular works of fiction. Born in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, in 1927, Wojciechowska was a middle child, a resourceful and capable girl sandwiched between her two energetic brothers and surrounded by many...