Zilpha Keatley Snyder was an American author recognized for her contributions to children's and young adult literature. Her career spanned from 1964 to 2011, during which she published 46 books. Snyder's writing often explored the intersection of the ordinary and the mystical, with her protagonists frequently being strong, thoughtful young females. Her unique perspective, partly shaped by her experiences as an elementary school teacher, allowed her to capture the inner lives of children with remarkable insight. Three of her books, 'The Egypt Game', 'The Headless Cupid', and 'The Witches of Worm', received Newbery Honor distinctions, highlighting their literary merit.

Beyond her literary achievements, Snyder was also involved in the development of a computer game based on her 'Green Sky' series, demonstrating a forward-thinking engagement with interactive media. Her work was published by Atheneum Books for much of her career, and her manuscripts are preserved in the Kerlan Collection at the University of Minnesota. Snyder passed away in 2014 at the age of 87.

Zilpha Keatley Snyder's literary contributions are characterized by a skillful interweaving of realism and the supernatural. Her narratives often presented ambiguous endings, allowing readers to interpret events from either a grounded or a more mystical perspective. This approach, coupled with tightly constructed plots, made her stories engaging and thought-provoking. A recurring element in her work was the portrayal of vital, thoughtful, and courageous female protagonists, reflecting an insightful understanding of young people's emotional and imaginative landscapes. This perspective was cultivated through her years as an elementary school teacher, where she observed and connected with the intellectual lives of children.

Snyder achieved significant recognition throughout her career, most notably with three Newbery Honor distinctions for 'The Egypt Game', 'The Headless Cupid', and 'The Witches of Worm'. The latter also served as a finalist for the National Book Award in the Children's Book category in 1972. Her debut novel, 'Season of Ponies', was published in 1964, marking the beginning of a prolific output that included 46 books by 2011. Her extensive body of work explored various themes and series, including the 'Green Sky' trilogy, which later inspired a computer game. In 1998, she received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Whittier College, acknowledging her profound impact on literature.