James John Patrick Murphy was an American author who wrote more than 35 nonfiction and fiction books across multiple audiences, including children, young adults, and general readers. The majority of his work concentrated on American history, with more than 30 of his books exploring historical topics. Murphy's contributions to literature for young people were recognized by the American Library Association, which awarded him the Margaret A. Edwards Award in 2010. This award acknowledges his significant impact on teen literature and reading.