Helen Harper, Ph.D. (deceased) was a Professor of Cultural Studies and English Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her research explored the intersection of social justice and cosmopolitan theory informed by a critical pedagogy stance. She is the co-author of books on advocacy and literacy, young adult literature, and numerous articles on adolescent literacy, democracy, and freedom. She served as co-editor of the International Reading Association's Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy.