Ruta Sepetys is an internationally renowned author of historical fiction, boasting a global readership that transcends age groups, with her novels being devoured by both students and adults worldwide. Her books, including the New York Times bestsellers "Between Shades of Gray" and "Out of the Easy", have been translated into thirty-six languages and published in over fifty countries.
Sepetys' novels have achieved unparalleled success, with "Salt to the Sea" reigning as a #1 New York Times bestseller and winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal. Her works have garnered numerous accolades, including over forty book prize nominations and wins, as well as appearances on over twenty state reading lists.
Born in Michigan to a Lithuanian refugee father, Ruta was raised in a family of artists, readers, and music enthusiasts. She attended college with the intention of pursuing a degree in opera, but ultimately graduated with a degree in International Finance.
Prior to publishing her debut novel, Sepetys spent two decades in the music industry, utilizing her skills to help artists and songwriters craft compelling narratives through their music.
Sepetys made history as the first American crossover novelist to address both the European Parliament and the Library of Congress. She was awarded the esteemed Bellagio Resident Fellowship by The Rockefeller Foundation for her novel "Salt to the Sea".
The President of Lithuania bestowed upon Sepetys the Cross of the Knight of the Order in recognition of her significant contributions to education and memory preservation. Despite her pride in her Lithuanian heritage, Sepetys has joked about the challenges of having a name that many find difficult to pronounce.
Currently, Sepetys resides in a treehouse nestled in the hills of Tennessee, where she continues to craft captivating stories that have captivated readers worldwide.
