Ruth Sawyer (1880–1970) was an American author and storyteller who made significant contributions to children's literature during the twentieth century. She developed a deep passion for oral storytelling, which heavily influenced her subsequent career as a writer. She traveled extensively, collecting folklore and traditional tales that she would later adapt for young readers, establishing herself as a pioneer in the professional storytelling movement in the United States.
Sawyer's most celebrated work is the semi-autobiographical novel Roller Skates, published in 1936. Set in late nineteenth-century New York, the book follows a young girl named Lucinda Wyman who explores the city on roller skates, experiencing a year of freedom and personal growth. The novel was highly praised for its vivid depiction of childhood independence and earned Sawyer the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1937.
Throughout her career, Sawyer wrote numerous books for both children and adults, spanning fiction, non-fiction, and collections of folktales. Her dedication to the preservation and performance of oral narratives earned her widespread recognition, culminating in the Children's Literature Legacy Award in 1965 for her lifetime contributions to the field.
