Sepetys, Ruta: - Ruta Sepetys is a New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Carnegie Medal. She was born and raised in Michigan in a family of artists, readers and music lovers. The daughter of a refugee, Ruta is drawn to under-represented stories of strength through struggle and hopes to give a voice to those who weren't able to tell their story. Her award-winning historical novels are published in over fifty countries and have received over forty literary prizes.