KATE McGOVERN is the acclaimed author of the young adult novels Rules for 50/50 Chances and Fear of Missing Out, which School Library Journal described as "a compelling and heart-rending read that should not be missed."

Welcome Back, Maple Mehta-Cohen, her debut novel for middle-grade readers, evolved out of her experiences working with middle schoolers in classrooms and after-school programs. She was inspired by many of her former students: young people who, like Maple, are bright, curious, engaged kids with many gifts but who sometimes struggle with reading.

Kate McGovern lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with her husband, Neheet, and their daughters, Priya and Kavya.