Dori Hillestad Butler's books have been named to 18 different state's children's choice award lists. The Buddy Files: Case of the Missing Kid earned the 2011 Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery, and Trading Places with Tank Talbott won the Maryland Children's Choice Award in 2007. Dori has also worked as a ghostwriter for the Sweet Valley Twins, Unicorn Club, and Boxcar Children series, as well as a children's book critic for a variety of outlets. She's written a number of short stories, plays, and instructional materials, as well as serving as the Regional Adviser for the Iowa Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She grew up in southern Minnesota and currently lives with her husband, son, dog, and cat in Seattle. She travels the country visiting schools and leading writing workshops.