Lori Carlson-Hijuelos was born in Jamestown, New York. She went to College of Wooster for her BA in Spanish literature and linguistics and received her MA in Hispanic literature from Indiana University. She has taught at several universities, most recently Duke, and is the editor of several books and collections for children and young adults, includingCool Salsa, American Eyes, Voices in First Person: Reflections on Latino Identity;andBurnt Sugar Caa Quemada. She lives in New York City.