Ruth Hull Chatlien has been a writer and editor of educational materials for nearly thirty years, specializing in U.S. and world history. She is the author of Modern American Indian Leaders for middle-grade readers. Her award-winning first novel, The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte, portrays the tumultuous life of Elizabeth “Betsy” Patterson Bonaparte. Her second novel, Blood Moon: A Captive’s Tale, retells Sarah Wakefield’s ordeal as a captive during the Dakota War of 1862. Her most recent novel, Katie, Bar the Door, explores a young woman’s emotional journey from loss and abuse toward healing.

She lives in northeastern Illinois with her husband, Michael. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found gardening, knitting, or spoiling her dog Coco.