Ellen Raskin

Who was Ellen Raskin?

Ellen Ermingard Raskin was an American writer, illustrator and fashion designer. She was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up during the Great Depression. She was educated at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Primarily a children's author, she received the 1979 Newbery Medal for her 1978 book The Westing Game and a 1975 Newbery Honor for her 1974 book Figgs & Phantoms.

Raskin was also an accomplished graphic artist. She designed dozens of dust jackets for books for 15 years including the first edition of Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time.

Raskin's first marriage ended in divorce. In 1965, she married Dennis Flanagan, editor of Scientific American.

Raskin died at the age of 56 on August 8, 1984 in New York City due to complications from a connective-tissue disease.