Dame Jacqueline Wilson, born in 1945, is an English novelist renowned for her extensive body of children's literature. Her writing career, which began with her first book in 1969, has resulted in over 100 published works. Wilson's novels are notable for their honest exploration of complex and often challenging topics relevant to young readers, including adoption, divorce, and mental health issues. This realistic approach has sometimes led to controversy, yet her books are widely appreciated by both children and adults.

Beyond her writing, Wilson has held significant academic and honorary positions. She has served as a professorial fellow and Chancellor of the University of Roehampton, contributing to their Children's Literature and Creative Writing master's programs. She is also a patron for several charities, supporting children facing illness and promoting literacy initiatives. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including an OBE and later a Damehood for her services to literature, and she has been a UK nominee for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award.

Born Jacqueline Aitken in Bath on December 17, 1945, her early life was shaped by her parents' professions—her father a civil servant and her mother an antiques dealer. From a young age, Wilson was an avid reader, drawn to authors like Noel Streatfeild and classic American tales such as 'Little Women.' Her creative inclinations surfaced early; by the age of nine, she had already penned a 21-page story titled 'Meet the Maggots.' School life, where she earned the nickname 'Jacky Daydream,' later inspired the title of her autobiography. She attended Coombe Girls' School and Carshalton Technical College, initially training as a secretary before pursuing a career in publishing with DC Thomson, contributing to the magazine 'Jackie.'

Jacqueline Wilson's literary journey began with crime fiction before she shifted her focus to writing for children. A significant turning point in her career occurred in 1991 with the publication of 'The Story of Tracy Beaker,' which brought her widespread recognition. Her novels are distinguished by their candid engagement with themes that resonate deeply with young audiences, including adoption, divorce, and mental illness. While these subjects have occasionally sparked debate, they have also cemented her reputation as an author who speaks directly to children's experiences. Her prolific output includes over 100 books, making her one of the most widely read and borrowed authors in British libraries.

Wilson's influence extends beyond her writing. In 2013, she was appointed a professorial fellow at the University of Roehampton, later becoming its Chancellor in 2014 and serving in that role until 2020. She actively participates in the university's master's programs in Children's Literature and Creative Writing. Her commitment to supporting children is further demonstrated through her patronage of charities such as Momentum, which assists children with cancer and their families, and the Letterbox Club, an initiative by BookTrust. She has also been a patron of the Friends of Richmond Park.

The impact of Jacqueline Wilson's work is reflected in the numerous awards and honors she has received. Several of her books, including 'The Story of Tracy Beaker,' 'Double Act,' 'Girls In Love,' and 'Vicky Angel,' have ranked among the UK's most popular books. She held the position of the most borrowed author in British libraries for several years. Wilson has been honored with the Smarties Prize and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, among others. In recognition of her services to literacy and literature, she was appointed an OBE in 2002 and promoted to Dame Commander (DBE) in 2008, and later Dame Grand Cross (GBE) in 2025. She also served as the UK Children's Laureate from 2005 to 2007.