Renowned for his captivating nature books aimed at the young and the young at heart, Sterling North left an indelible mark with his biographies of American literary and historical luminaries. These works cemented his status as one of the most beloved writers for young adults in the twentieth century. Born on November 4, 1906, North's early days unfolded on a humble farm overlooking the serene Lake Koshkonong, near Edgerton, Wisconsin. His journey into the literary world began with poetry, which he peddled to numerous literary magazines during his high school and college years. Upon receiving his degree from the University of Chicago in 1929, North embarked on a career as a reporter with the Chicago Daily News. By 1932, he had ascended to the role of literary editor, a mantle he later wore at the New York Post and the New York World Telegram and Sun. In 1957, he embraced the role of editor for North Star Books, a historical series for children under the banner of Houghton Mifflin, his primary publisher. North's prolific output includes twenty-six novels, biographies, and children's books, alongside his editorial work on over twenty other volumes and anthologies. His creativity also found expression in poems, articles, and stories scattered across prestigious publications such as the Atlantic, Harper's, Poetry, and the Nation.

North's literary creations have consistently captivated readers across generations, with particular acclaim for his masterpieces, Rascal: A Memoir of a Better Era and Raccoons Are the Brightest People, both vividly portrayed against the backdrop of his rural New Jersey home. "Rascal" earned the distinction of being a Newbery Medal runner-up in 1964 and was honored with both the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award and the Dutton Animal Book Award. Another gem, The Wolfling, similarly garnered a Dutton Animal Book Award. Sterling North's journey came to a poignant close in Morristown, New Jersey, on December 22, 1974, following a series of strokes.