Brett Smuckler graduated from Rollins College. Inspired by her work as an Elementary Education major and by the story of her great-grandmother, she wrote her first novel, Under the Same Sky. In this novel, the young author shows maturity and intelligence beyond her age. The innocence of Olivia and Emmett's love is wonderfully juxtaposed against the harsh and complex world of politics and violence. Through her characters Ms. Smuckler captures the multidimensional nature of people and sends an important message that in life, things are rarely black and white. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her two beloved dogs.