Jeffrey Copeland is a professor and head of the Department of Languages and Literature at the University of Northern Iowa, where he teaches children's and young adult literature courses and English education. He has authored and edited numerous books, including Speaking of Poets and Young Adult Literature: A Contemporary Reader and, most recently, Inman's War: A Soldier's Story of Life in a Colored Battalion in WWII, Olivia's Story: The Conspiracy of Heroes behind Shelley v. Kraemer, and Shell Games: The Life and Times of Pearl McGill, Industrial Spy and Pioneer Labor Activist. A native St. Louisan, he lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa.