Nikki Grimes (born October 20, 1950) is an American author of books written for children and young adults, as well as a poet and journalist.

Grimes currently resides in Corona, California, and continues to write poetry and books for children and young adults.

The Coretta Scott King Award is "given to African-American authors and illustrators for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions.

"The Wilder Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children.

"[3] Following controversy surrounding Laura Ingalls Wilder's stereotypical portrayals of Indigenous peoples and the subsequent changing of the medal's name to the Children's Literature Legacy Award, Grimes' work was criticized for alleged antisemitism.