Eliot Schrefer, born in 1978, is an American and British author who writes both adult and young adult fiction. He has been recognized twice as a finalist for the National Book Award in the Young People's Literature category. Schrefer's writing often explores themes of survival and the complexities of relationships, particularly evident in his acclaimed young adult novels like 'Endangered' and 'Threatened,' which feature young protagonists and great apes. These works have been praised for their deep character development, with critics noting his ability to bring both human and ape characters to life with nuance. Schrefer currently teaches in the Creative Writing MFA Program at Fairleigh Dickinson University. His novel 'The Darkness Outside Us' gained attention when he withdrew from a literary festival due to its exclusion of LGBTQ+ content, leading to the festival's cancellation and drawing attention to the book's themes and its subsequent optioning for film adaptation.

Eliot Schrefer is recognized for his compelling young adult novels, notably 'Endangered' (2012) and 'Threatened' (2014). These books, which delve into survival narratives involving young individuals and great apes, have garnered significant critical attention. The New York Times highlighted the profound depth of characterization in 'Endangered,' stating that the nuanced portrayals of both human and ape characters were central to the story's emotional impact. Similarly, reviewers have commended Schrefer's skill in creating lifelike chimpanzee characters. Schrefer himself has explained that by writing about bonobos, he could more directly address fundamental human emotions such as jealousy, loyalty, anger, and sorrow, suggesting a philosophical exploration of shared emotional experiences through animal characters.

Schrefer's commitment to inclusivity was demonstrated when he withdrew from the 2021 Plum Creek Literacy Festival. This action was a response to the festival's exclusion of books featuring LGBT characters, including his own novel 'The Darkness Outside Us,' and the host university's alleged discriminatory policies. Following Schrefer's withdrawal, other authors also pulled out, leading to the festival's cancellation. Published in 2021, 'The Darkness Outside Us' is an LGBT young adult science fiction novel that has since been optioned for adaptation by Elliot Page's production company, Page Boy Productions, in 2024.

“As riveting as the action is, it’s the nuanced portraits of the characters, human and ape, that make the story so deeply affecting.”

“even makes his chimpanzees ... into living breathing characters.”

“allowed me to address more nakedly the feelings—jealousy, loyalty, anger, sorrow—that we all experience.”