Ann Heinrichs grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She began playing the piano at age three and thought she would grow up to be a pianist. Instead, she became a writer. She is the author of more than 200 books for children and young adults on Asian, African, and U.S. history and cultures, as well as grammar and natural history subjects. Ann has also written numerous newspaper, magazine, and encyclopedia articles. Ann has traveled to the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, and now lives in Chicago, Illinois.