Cynthia Kadohata is a Japanese American children's writer whose work has earned major recognition in the field of young adult literature. She is best known for her novel Kira-Kira, which won the Newbery Medal in 2005, one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature. Beyond Kira-Kira, Kadohata has continued to produce acclaimed work. She won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2013 for her novel The Thing About Luck, further establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary children's and young adult fiction.