Matt de la Peña received a BA from the University of the Pacific and a MFA in creative writing from San Diego State University. He is a children's book author who specializes in novels for young adults. His books include Ball Don't Lie, Mexican WhiteBoy, We Were Here, I Will Save You, A Nation's Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Louis, and Infinity Ring. He won the 2016 Newbery Medal for Last Stop on Market Street.