O. Henry (William Sydney Porter, 1862-1910) was an American short-story writer. In his writing, O. Henry was able to catch the color and movement of the city and showed a genuine sympathy for ordinary people. Some of his works include "Cabbages and Kings", "Roads of Destiny", and "Strictly Business" among many others.

Pam Munoz Ryan grew up in the San Joaquin Valley of California and now lives with her family near San Diego. She based this story on the experiences of her maternal grandmother whose privileged life in Mexico was altered dramatically when she immigrated to the United States and went to work in a company-owned farm labor camp. She is the author of the acclaimed "Riding Freedom" and "Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride," an ALA Notable Children's Book.