Sharon G. Flake was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. The Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh declared February 16, 2010 as Sharon G. Flake Day. Flake is ranked #1 African American author under Disney/Hyperion Books and #13 out of more than 500. She was selected by the NBA Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers to participate as a featured author in their 2010 NBA/Read to Achieve Program. Flake has received numerous awards and accolades including ALA Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award for her