Cat Bauer's first novel, Harley, Like a Person, was named an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, and an ALA Popular Paperback. It was also selected as a Booklist Top 10 First Novel for Youth and won the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award.   Bauer grew up in New Jersey, and has also lived in New York City and Los Angeles. She resides in Venice, Italy, where she has been a regular contributor to such publications as the International Herald Tribune's Italian supplement.