Chris Crutcher

Chris Crutcher, born on July 17, 1946, in Dayton, Ohio, was raised in Cascade, Idaho, and became a prominent young adult novelist drawing from his experiences as a teacher at alternative schools and a family therapist specializing in child abuse. His debut novel Running Loose (1983) launched a career featuring realistic stories about teens facing issues like sports, racism, family struggles, and personal growth, earning him awards such as the Margaret A. Edwards Award. Crutcher resides in Spokane, Washington, and has authored numerous novels, short story collections, and an autobiography.