Biographies: C(hristopher) J(ohn) Koch Biography - C.J. Koch comments: to Sir (Alfred Charles) Bernard Lovell (1913– ) Biography

Brief Biographies

C(hristopher) J(ohn) Koch Biography - C.J. Koch comments:

Nationality: Australian. Born: Hobart, Tasmania, 1932. Education: Clemes College; St. Virgil's Christian Brothers College; Hobart State High School, 1946-50; University of Tasmania, Hobart, 1951-54, B.A. 1954. Has one son. Career: Until 1972, radio producer, Australian Broadcasting Commission, Sydney. Awards: The Age Book of the Year award, 1978; Australian National Book award, 1979; Miles …

10 minute read

Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff (1957-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1957, in Milwaukee, WI; Education: California State University, Fresno, B.A. (liberal studies), B.A. (Politics: Democrat. Religion: Roman Catholic. Hobbies and other interests: Theater, the beach, playing the piano, reading, dogs, chocolate, old movies. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Troll Communications, 100 Corporate Dr., Mahwah, NJ 07430. California State University, Hayward, Education/Ext…

4 minute read

Rachel A. Koestler-Grack (1973-) Biography - Personal, Career, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1973, in Milwaukee, WI; Education: Minnesota State University, B.A., 1999. Politics: Republican. Religion: Lutheran. Editor and author. Capstone Press, Mankato, MN, editor, 1999-2001; freelance writer. Going to School during the Civil Rights Movement, Blue Earth Books (Mankato, MN), 2002. Daily Life in a Southwestern Settlement: San Antonio, Lake Street Publishers (Minneapolis, MN), 2003. Edd…

5 minute read

Deborah (Deborah Kogan Kogan Ray Deborah Ray) (1940–) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1940, in Philadelphia, PA; name legally changed, 1981; Education: Attended Philadelphia College of Art, 1958–59, University of Pennsylvania, 1959–61, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1959–62, and Albert C. Barnes Foundation, 1962–64. Artist and author. Exhibitions: Paintings exhibited in one-woman shows nationally and in group shows at Philadelphia Art Allian…

11 minute read

Joy Kogawa Biography

Nationality: Canadian. Born: Toronto, 1935. Awards: Books in Canada First Novel award, 1981, Canadian Authors Association Book of the Year award, 1981, Before Columbus Foundation's American Book award, 1982, and American Library Association Notable Book award, 1982, all for Obasan; Ryerson Polytechnical Institute fellowship, 1991; Urban Alliance Race Relations award, 1994; Grace MacInnis Vi…

4 minute read

Kathe Koja (1960-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1960, in Detroit, MI; Education: Attended Clarion Workshop, Michigan State University. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Progressive Catholic. office—c/o Author Mail, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 19 Union Sq. W., New York, NY 10003. Agent—Christopher Schelling, Ralph Vicininza, Ltd., 303 West 18th St., New York, NY 10011. Novelist and author of short fiction, beginning 1984. Peo…

10 minute read

Jackie French Koller (1948-) Biography - Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Adaptations

Born 1948, in Derby, CT; Education: University of Connecticut, B.A., 1970. Agent—Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown Ltd., 10 Astor Place, New York, NY. Writer. Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Impy for Always, illustrated by Carol Newsom, Little, Brown (Boston, MA), 1989. Mole and Shrew, illustrated by Stella Ormai, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1991. Fish Fry Tonight!, ill…

2 minute read

Leah Komaiko (1954-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1954, in Chicago, IL; Education: University of Utah, B.A. Agent—Edite Kroll, 12 Grayhurst Park, Portland, ME 04102. Writer. Involved in cause-related marketing projects for corporations and children. Has appeared on Public Broadcasting Service program Reading Rainbow. Volunteer for Older Corps. Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Children's choice awards …

8 minute read

Marc Kompaneyets (1974–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1974, in Moscow, USSR (now Russia); immigrated to United States; Education: Attended School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 1992–93; attended Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1993–96; University of Pennsylvania, B.F.A. (cum laude), 1997. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Knopf Publishing Group, Random House, 1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. Artist, illustrator, and author.…

2 minute read

B. Waine Kong Biography - Poverty Taught Creativity, Began a New Life in the United States, Continued His Education

1943— Chief executive officer, Association of Black Cardiologists Throughout his life, B. Waine Kong has retained the good-natured sociability that he learned growing up in a small agricultural community in Jamaica. However, beneath his relaxed and likable personality, Kong has proved himself to be a dedicated and tireless worker. Whether earning a graduate degree by attending classes at ni…

11 minute read

Dean R. Koontz (1945–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress, Sidelights

(David Axton, Brian Coffey, Deanna Dwyer, K.R. Dwyer, John Hill, Leigh Nichols, Anthony North, Richard Paige, Owen West) Born 1945, in Everett, PA; married Gerda Ann Cerra, October 15, 1966. Agent—Robert Gottlieb, Trident Media Group, 488 Madison Ave., 17th Fl., New York, NY 10022. Teacher-counselor with Appalachian Poverty Program, 1966–67; high school English teacher, 1967–6…

22 minute read

Lisa Kopelke (1963-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1963, in San Diego, CA; Education: Attended California College of Arts and Crafts. Hobbies and other interests: Volunteering for local community arts programs. Agent—Steven Malk, Writers House, 21 West 26th St., New York, NY 10010. Children's book writer and illustrator. Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Book Artists, Yellapalooza. Exceptional book pic…

5 minute read

Steven N. Koppes (1957–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

(Steven Nelson Koppes) Born 1957, in Manhattan, KS; Education: Kansas State University, B.S. (anthropology), 1978; University of Kansas, M.S., 1982. Politics: "Independent." Religion: "Agnostic." Hobbies and other interests: Long-distance running, backpacking, reading. Office—University of Chicago News Office, 5801 S. Ellis Ave. Room 200, Chicago, IL 60637. Scie…

3 minute read

Bernard Kops Biography

Nationality: British. Born: London, 1926. Education: Attended London elementary schools to age 13. Career: Has worked as a docker, chef, salesman, waiter, lift man, and barrow boy; writer-in-residence, London Borough of Hounslow, 1980-82; lecturer in Drama, Spiro Institute, 1985-86, Surrey, Ealing, and Inner London education authorities, 1989-90, and City Literary Institute, London, 1991. Awards: …

7 minute read

Edward (Benjamin) Koren (1935-) Biography - Career, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Member, Honors Awards, Writings

Born 1935, in New York, NY; Education: Columbia University, B.A., 1957; Pratt Institute, M.F.A., 1964. Agent—Pippin Properties, 155 East 38th St., Ste. 2H, New York, NY 10016. Authors League, Society of American Graphic Artists. Guggenheim fellowship, 1970-71; New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year, 1972, for Behind the Wheel; D.H.L., Union College, 1984. Don�…

2 minute read

Gordon Korman (1963–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress, Sidelights

(Gordon Richard Korman) Born 1963, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Education: New York University, B.F.A., 1985. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Scholastic, Inc., 555 Broadway, New York, NY 10012. Writer, 1975–. Writers Union of Canada, Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers, Society of Children's Book Writers. This Can't Be Happening at Macdona…

12 minute read

Bruce Koscielniak (1947-) Biography - Personal, Career, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1947, in Adams, MA; Education: Vesper George School of Art, Boston, MA, degree in commercial art, 1969; Williams College, B.A., 1975. Hobbies and other interests: Music, art history. Writer, oil painter, and illustrator. Former clerk, U.S. Postal Service, Adams, MA. Military service: U.S. Army, 1969-71, received good conduct medal. Hector and Prudence, Alfred A. Knopf (New York, NY), 1990. He…

9 minute read

Lynne Kositsky (1947-) Biography - Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress

Born 1947, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Education: B.A. in psychology; B.Ed. in education; M.A. in English; various honors specialist teaching diplomas in English and drama. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Kids Can Press, 2250 Military Rd., Tonawanda, NY 14150. Author of books for children and young adults; poet. University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, educator; has also taught at midd…

1 minute read

Amy Goldman Koss (1954-) Biography - Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings

Born 1954, in Detroit, MI; Education: Attended Wayne State University. Agent—c/o Dial Books for Young Readers, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014. Writer. What Luck! A Duck!, Price, Stern, Sloan (Los Angeles, CA), 1987. Where Fish Go in Winter, and Answers to Other Great Mysteries, Price, Stern, Sloan (Los Angeles, CA), 1987. Curious Creatures in Peculiar Places, Price, Stern, Sloan (Los An…

less than 1 minute read

William Kotzwinkle Biography

Nationality: American. Born: Scranton, Pennsylvania, 1938. Education: Attended Rider College and Pennsylvania State University. Career: Worked as a short order cook and editor/writer in the 1960s; full time writer, 1960s—. Awards: National Magazine awards for fiction, 1972, 1975; O'Henry prize, 1975; World Fantasy Award for best novel, 1977; North Dakota Children's Choice Awar…

5 minute read

Betsy Harvey Kraft (1937-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1937, in Indianapolis, IN; Education: DePauw University, B.A., 1959; Brown University, M.A., 1961. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Clarion Books, 215 Park Ave., New York, NY 10003. Worked as children's book editor in New York, NY, for Macmillan, Bobbs-Merrill, and Dutton, 1962-68; writer. Director of education for energy trade association. Coal, Franklin Watts (New York, NY), 1976. Caree…

3 minute read

Steven Krasner (1953-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1953, in Providence, RI; Education: Columbia University, B.A., 1975. Office—Providence Journal, 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902. Journalist and author. Providence Journal, Providence RI, sports writer, 1975—. Education consultant and developer of cross-curriculum writing program. Member, Baseball Hall of Fame education advisory council. International Reading Association, R…

4 minute read

Trudy (B.) Krisher (1946-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1946, in Macon, GA; children: Laura, Kathryn, Mark. Education: College of William and Mary, B.A., 1968; Trenton State College, M.Ed., 1972. Politics: Democrat. Religion: Unitarian. Office—Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402-1460. Agent—Danielle Egan-Miller, Browne & Miller Literary Associates, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Ste. 460, Chicago, IL 60605-1…

8 minute read

Robert (Paul) Kroetsch Biography - Robert Kroetsch comments:

Nationality: Canadian. Born: Heisler, Alberta, 1927. Education: Schools in Heisler and Red Deer, Alberta; University of Alberta, Edmonton, B.A. 1948; McGill University, Montreal, 1954-55; Middlebury College, Vermont, M.A. 1956; University of Iowa, Iowa City, Ph.D. 1961. Career: Laborer and purser, Yellowknife Transportation Company, Northwest Territories, 1948-50; information specialist (civilian)…

10 minute read

Virginia L. Kroll (1948–) Biography - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

(Melrose Cooper, Louisa Fox, Virginia Louisa Kroll) Born 1948, in Buffalo, NY; Education: Attended State University of New York at Buffalo and Canisius College. Religion: Roman Catholic. Hobbies and other interests: Reading, crafts, friends, pets. Fifth grade teacher in Buffalo, NY area, 1968–69, 1980–81; Hamburg Memorial Youth Center, Hamburg, NY, recreation assistant, 1978–8…

18 minute read

Jarrett J. Krosoczka (1977-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Surname pronounced "Krah-ZAWS-ka"; born 1977, in Worcester, MA; Education: Attended University of Hartford, 1995-96; Rhode Island School of Design, B.F.A., 1999. Hobbies and other interests: Snowboarding, bowling, vintage video games. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Alfred A. Knopf/Random House, 1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. Illustrator. Montserrat College of Art, instructor in p…

5 minute read

Kathleen Krull (1952-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

(Kathleen Cowles, Kathryn Kenny, Kevin Kenny) Born 1952, in Fort Leonard Wood, MO; representative) and Helen (a counselor; stepEducation: Lawrence University, B.A. (magna cum laude), 1974. Hobbies and other interests: Music, gardening, quilting, travel. Harper & Row Publishers, Inc., Evanston, IL, editorial assistant, 1973-74; Western Publishing, Inc., Racine, WI, associate editor, 1974-79; Raintr…

23 minute read

Loretta Krupinski (1940–) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1940, in Brooklyn, NY; Education: Syracuse University, B.F.A., 1962. Illustrator. Worked for Newsday (newspaper), Long Island, NY, as editorial illustrator for eight years, for General Dynamics, Groton, CT, for seven years, and Loretta Krupinskiheld various jobs relating to design and illustration until 1987; freelance children's book illustrator and marine art painter, 1987–. E…

11 minute read

Kathleen V. Kudlinski (1950-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1950, in Philadelphia, PA; Education: University of Maine, B.S., 1972. Politics: "Compassionate liberal and environmentalist." Agent—Susan Cohen, Writer's House, 21 W. 26th St., New York, NY 10010. Writer. Weekly columnist, "The Naturalist," New Haven Register, New Haven, CT, 1988—. Has also worked as an elementary school classroom teacher; ma…

9 minute read

Susan Kuklin (1941-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1941, in Philadelphia, PA; Education: New York University, B.S., 1963, M.A., 1966. Hobbies and other interests: Dance, traveling, gardening (in pots on a roof terrace), reading (especially Chinese and Japanese fiction and the classics), visiting museums, theater concerts, opera. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Putnam Publishers, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. Photographer and writer. New…

18 minute read

Boris Kulikov (1966–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Illustrator, Sidelights

Born 1966; immigrated to United States, 1997; Education: Institute of Theatre, Music, and Cinema (St. Petersburg, Russia), graduated, 1992. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 19 Union Square W., New York, NY 10003. Illustrator and painter. Formerly worked as a set and costume designer in Russia. Lore Segal, Morris the Artist, Farrar, Straus & Giroux (New York, NY…

3 minute read

Jawanza Kunjufu Biography - Selected writings

1953— Writer, educator, publisher Jawanza Kunjufu has dedicated his career to addressing the ills afflicting black culture in the United States, working primarily as an educational consultant and author but more recently expanding into video and film production. All aspects of the African American experience occupy Kunjufu's attention, but the main thrust of his work has been directe…

8 minute read

Hanif Kureishi Biography

Nationality: British. Born: Bromley, England, 1954. Education: King's College, London, B.A. Career: Film director, playwright, screenwriter, novelist; writer-in-residence, 1981 and 1985-86, Royal Court Theatre, London. Awards: Themes Television Playwright award, 1980, for The Mother Country; George Devine award, 1981; Evening Standard award, 1985, for screenplay; Rotterdam Festival's…

6 minute read

Lawrence Kushner (1943–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1943, in Detroit, MI; Education: University of Cincinnati, degree, 1965; Hebrew Union College, ordained rabbi, 1969. Hobbies and other interests: Graphic design, computers, Mozart, "hanging around sailboats." Office—c/o The Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., San Francisco, CA 94118. Rabbi, educator, and writer. Congregation Solel, Highland Park, IL, rabbinic fellow-in-res…

6 minute read

Tony Kushner (1956-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1956, in New York, NY. Education: Columbia University, B.A., 1978; New York University, M.F.A., 1984. Office—Walter Kerr Theatre, 225 West 48th St., New York, NY 10036. Agent—Joyce Ketay Agency, 1501 Broadway, Ste. 1908, New York, NY 10036. United Nations Plaza Hotel, New York, NY, switchboard operator, 1979-85; St. Louis Repertory Theatre, St. Louis, MO, assistant director, 198…

13 minute read

Karla Kuskin (1932-) Biography - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

(Nicholas J. Charles) Born 1932, in New York, NY; Education: Attended Antioch College, 1950–53; Yale University, B.F.A., 1955. Writer and illustrator. Conducts poetry and writing workshops. Worked variously as an assistant to a fashion photographer, a design underling, and in advertising, "many, many years ago." American Institute of Graphic Arts Book Show awards, 1955–…

25 minute read

Femi Kuti Biography - Selected discography

1962— Nigerian singer, songwriter, bandleader Nigeria's Femi Kuti calls his band Positive Force, and that name illustrates some of the differences between Kuti and his famous father. Kuti is the son of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, an icon of Nigerian music whose protest lyrics were a constant thorn in the side of the country's military government, and who often ended up in prison as a…

6 minute read

Michelle D. Kwasney (1960–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1960, in Elmira, NY. Education: B.S. (art education); M.S. (education). Hobbies and other interests: Reading, oil painting, photography, playing Scrabble, home-repair projects, computer games. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Henry Holt & Co., 175 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10010. Elementary art educator in western MA; writer. Book for the Teen Age designation, New York Public Library, 2004, for …

1 minute read

L.L. Cool J Biography - Selected discography

1968— Rap musician, actor L. L. Cool J, photograph. © Ron Sachs/Corbis In the turbulent climate of rap music, careers are often brief moments of success crested atop long stretches of obscurity. For L.L. Cool J, this is not so, as he has helped lay down the groundwork for rap during the genre's early days and refine and reinvent it for over a decade. A veteran in a field …

9 minute read

Nina Laden (1962-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1962, in New York, NY; stepEducation: Syracuse University, B.F.A. (magna cum laude), 1983. Politics: Democrat. Hobbies and other interests: Skiing, sea kayaking, cycling, playing guitar, writing songs. Agent—Barbara Kouts, P.O. Box 560, Bellport, NY 11713. John H. Harland Co., Atlanta, GA, graphic designer, 1983-84; freelance illustrator, 1984—; Atlanta College of Art, Atlanta, …

8 minute read

A(lexandria R. T.) Lafaye (1970-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1970, in Hudson, WI; Education: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, B.A. (summa cum laude); Mankato State University, M.A. (creative writing and multicultural literature); University of Memphis, M.F.A.; Hollins College, M.A. (Politics: "Democratic Socialist." Religion: "Non-denominational Christian." Hobbies and other interests: Movies, storytelling, fine arts. Ag…

9 minute read

Jewel Stradford LaFontant Biography

1922-1997 Lawyer, government official Jewel Stradford LaFontant became a key player in the fields of law and politics long before the women's movement gained momentum in the 1960s. Her father, renowned U.S. Supreme Court attorney C. Francis Stradford, carefully groomed her to become a pioneer in the male-dominated arena of law. LaFontant achieved many firsts for women in the field, becoming…

8 minute read

Ricardo Lagos: 1938—: Chilean President Biography - Established Academic Career As Economist, Returned To Chile To Fight For Democracy, Appointed Minister In New Democratic Government

Ricardo Lagos: 1938—: Chilean president. The political history of Chilean President Ricardo Lagos will always be defined in relation to former dictator General Augusto Pinochet. In 1973 when Pinochet seized control of the country and installed a right-wing dictatorship, Lagos was forced to flee into exile. When Lagos returned he rose to prominence as an outspoken critic of Pinochet. In …

1 minute read

Sofie Laguna (1968-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1968, in Sydney, Australia. Education: Graduated from Victorian College of the Arts, 1992; RMIT University, diploma of arts (professional writing and editing). Agent—Booked Out Arts and Literature Agency, P.O. Box 2321, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia. Writer; actor in television, film, and theater; has performed with Flying Bookworm Theatre Company and Salamanca Theatre Company. Chi…

4 minute read

Tim(othy) F. LaHaye (1926-) Biography - Writings, Sidelights - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Adaptations

Born 1926, in Detroit, MI; Education: Bob Jones University, B.A., 1950; Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, D.Min., 1977. Religion: Baptist. Hobbies and other interests: Flying his twin-engine plane, snow skiing, water skiing, football, motorcycling, golfing. Pastor of Baptist churches in Pickens, SC, 1948-50, and in Minneapolis, MN, 1950-56; Scott Memorial Baptist Church, El Cajon, CA, senior …

4 minute read

Louise-Andrée Laliberté (1958–) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Illustrator, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1958, in Québec City, Québec, Canada; Education: Laval University, B.A. (visual arts), 1982, teaching certificate, 1983. Hobbies and other interests: Swimming, skiing, writing, reading, talking, sleeping, non-commercial music, non-commercial movies, "I love wind, sun, rain, snow, heat, freezing cold, storms, ice storms … birds, dogs, trees, wild flowers, water, riv…

5 minute read

Jim Lamarche Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 0027;s name Toni; Education: University of Wisconsin, B.S. (art). Agent—c/o Author Mail, HarperCollins Children's, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. Author and illustrator. VISTA volunteer with United Tribes of North Dakota; formerly worked in advertising. Parents magazine Best Book of the Year designation, 1995, for The Carousel; Irma S. and James H. Black Award …

5 minute read

Libertad Lamarque: 1908-2000: Actor, Singer Biography - Debuted In Argentine Silents, Beckoned By Hollywood, Banned By Perón, Returned Home To Career In Soaps

Libertad Lamarque: 1908-2000: Actor, singer. Argentine actor and singer Libertad Lamarque was "the second biggest export from South America, the first being Carmen Miranda (and she was born in Portugal)," according to Austin Mutti-Mewse of the London Independent. She got her start singing popular Argentine tangos, began her film career in 1929, during the silent film era, and was…

1 minute read

Lester L. Laminack (1956-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1956, in Flint, MI; Education: Jacksonville State University, B.S., 1977, M.S., 1978; Auburn University, Ed.D., 1983. Religion: Methodist. Hobbies and other interests: Travel, playing the saxophone, reading children's books and southern fiction. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Peachtree Publishers, 1700 Chattahoochee Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30318-2112. Cleburn County Elementary School, firs…

6 minute read

George (Eric) Lamming Biography

Nationality: Barbadian. Born: Carrington Village, 1927. Education: Roebuck Boys' School; Combermere School. Career: Teacher in Trinidad, 1946-50; moved to England, 1950; host of book review programme, BBC West Indian Service, London, 1951. Writer-in-residence, University of the West Indies, Kingston, 1967-68. Coeditor of Barbados and Guyana independence issues of New World Quarterly, Kingst…

7 minute read

Margo Lanagan (1960-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1960, in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Education: Studied history at universities in Perth and Sydney. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Allen & Unwin, 83 Alexander St., Crows Nest, New South Wales 2065, Australia. Freelance book editor, technical writer, and author. WildGame, Allen & Unwin (North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia), 1991. The Tankermen, Allen & Unwi…

2 minute read

Dena ?)– Landon (1978() Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1978. Education: Gordon College, B.A. (business administration), 1999. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Dutton, Penguin Putnam, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014. Dancer, writer, and teacher. Formerly worked in finance; Allegro School of Dance, Rochester, NY, dance teacher; participant in Boulder Jazz Dance Workshop. Shapeshifter's Quest, Dutton Children's Books (New York, NY), 2…

1 minute read

Dakota Lane (1959–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1959, in Brooklyn, NY; Education: Attended San Francisco State University. Agent—c/o Author Mail, HarperCollins Children's, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. Freelance writer, c. 1996–; creative writing instructor, 1996–. American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults designation, 2006, for The Orpheus Obsession. Johnny Voodoo, Delacorte (…

4 minute read

Aubrey Lang Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Married Wayne Lynch (a photographer). Agent—c/o Author Mail, Fitzhenry &Whiteside, 195 Allstate Pkwy., Markham, Ontario L3R 4T8, Canada. Writer and photographer. Eagles, photographs by husband, Wayne Lynch, Sierra Club Books (San Francisco, CA), 1990. Rudy Visits the North, illustrated by Muriel Hope, Hyperion Books for Children (New York, NY), 1992. Bears, illustrated by Ian Stirlin…

4 minute read

Andrew Langley (1949–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1949, in Bath, England; Education: London University, B.A. (English literature; with honors). Agent—c/o Author Mail, Raintree/Heinemann, Halley Court, Jordan Hill, Oxford OX2 8EJ, England. Children's book author. Penguin Books, London, England, marketing assistant, 1974–78. Explorers on the Nile ("In Profile" series), Silver Burdett (Upper Saddle River, NJ),…

16 minute read

Bob Lanier Biography - Too Big Too Fast, Became College All-Star, Starred for the Pistons, Traded to Milwaukee

1948— Professional basketball player, businessman Bob Lanier—6-foot, 11-inches tall and filling size 22 shoes—entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1970 as the number one draft pick of the Detroit Pistons. He played nine and one-half seasons for the Pistons and four and one-half seasons for the Milwaukee Bucks. During his 14 years in the NBA, Lanier amassed 19,2…

12 minute read

Francess L(in) Lantz (1952-2004) Biography - OBITUARY NOTICE—

(Franklin W. Dixon, a house pseudonym, Lance Franklin, Fran Lantz, Jamie Suzanne, a house pseudonym) See index for SATA sketch: Born August 27, 1952, in Trenton, NJ; died of ovarian cancer November 22, 2004, in Santa Barbara, CA. Author. Lantz was a frustrated musician who later became a librarian and then a popular author of young-adult fiction. Graduating from Dickinson College in 1974, she trie…

1 minute read

Francess L(in) Lantz (1952-) - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress, Sidelights, Autobiography Feature

(Fran Lantz) Born 1952, in Trenton, NJ; Education: Dickinson College, B.A., 1974; Simmons College, M.L. S., 1975. Politics: Democrat. Agent—Kendra Marcus, Bookstop Literary Agency, 67 Meadow View Rd., Orinda, CA 94563. Dedham Public Library, Dedham, MA, children's librarian, 1976-79; writer, 1979—. Semi-professional musician in Boston, MA, 1974-79; "nanny" for ba…

55 minute read

Georges Laraque Biography - Refused to Quit, Joined the Edmonton Oilers, Re-signed with Oilers

1976— Professional hockey player Laraque, Georges, photograph. Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images. Georges Laraque is the first black hockey player from French Canada to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). From Montreal, Quebec, he was drafted in 1995 by the Edmonton Oilers. Working as his team's enforcer, Laraque is charged with retaliating against anyone who tries to intimidate…

8 minute read

Philippe Lardy (1963–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings

Born 1963, in Switzerland. Education: Attended Institut Saint Luc, Brussels, 1984–87; New York School of Visual Arts, B.F.A., 1989. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Houghton Mifflin, 222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116-3764. Illustrator and commercial artist. Numero (periodical), publisher. Exhibitions: Works have been exhibited throughout Europe, Japan, and North America, including Art Direct…

1 minute read

Nancy Larrick (1910-2004) Biography

OBITUARY NOTICE— See index for SATA sketch: Born December 28, 1910, in Winchester, VA; died of pneumonia November 14, 2004, in Winchester, VA. Educator, editor, and author. The founder of the International Reading Association, Larrick was a champion of literacy who also wrote and edited books that promoted better reading skills for children. After completing her undergraduate work at Gouche…

2 minute read

Kathryn Lasky (1944-) Biography - Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress

(Kathryn Lasky Knight, E. L. Swann) Born 1944, in Indianapolis, IN; Education: University of Michigan, B.A., 1966; Wheelock College, M.A., 1977. Religion: Jewish. Hobbies and other interests: Sailing, skiing, hiking, reading, movies. Agent—Jed Mattes, 175 West 73rd St., New York, NY. Writer. (With Lucy Floyd) Agatha's Alphabet, Rand McNally, 1975. I Have Four Names for My Grandfather…

6 minute read

Rhiannon Lassiter (1977-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1977, in London, England; Education: Attended Oxford University. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Simon & Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Writer and Web designer. The Supernatural, Barron's (Hauppage, NY), 1999. Waking Dream, Macmillan (London, England), 2002. Super Zeroes, Oxford University Press (London, England), 2005. Hex, Macmillan (London, England)…

5 minute read

Barbara Lavallee (1941–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Illustrator, Sidelights

Born 1941, in Davenport, IA; Education: Illinois Wesleyan University, B.F.A., 1964. Hobbies and other interests: "Travel: anytime, anywhere." Office—1026 W. 4th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Chronicle Books, 86 2nd St., 6th Fl., San Francisco, CA 94105. U.S. Army Service Club, Lenggries, Germany, recreational specialist, 1964–65; social worker…

8 minute read

Risa Lavizzo-Mourey Biography - Parents Sparked Interest in Medical Career, Advised Government on Health Care Policies

1954— Physician A specialist in geriatrics, Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey has made significant contributions to health care policy in the United States. In addition to maintaining a clinical practice and a teaching career, she has served on numerous committees and has advised the federal government on health care reform. In 2003 she assumed leadership of the country's largest health care p…

6 minute read

Jennifer Lawson Biography - Selected works

1946— Television executive As executive vice president of national programming for the Public Broadcasting System (PBS) until 1996, Jennifer Lawson is, according to Jeremy Gerard in the New York Times, "the most powerful programming executive in public television." Lawson is responsible for overseeing the creation, promotion, and scheduling of national programming for the 330-…

6 minute read

Neal (Andrew) Layton (1971-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1971, in Chichester, England; Education: University of Nothumbria at Newcastle, B.A. (with honors), 1994; Central St. Martin's College of Art and Design, M.A. (with distinction), 1998. Agent—Arena, 11 King's Ridge Rd., Long Valley, NJ 07853. Freelance writer and illustrator, 1997—. Epsom Art College, tutor, 2000. Work has been included in exhibitions in London and …

8 minute read

Ursula K(roeber) Le Guin Biography

Nationality: American. Born: Berkeley, California, 1929; daughter of the anthropologist Alfred L. Kroeber. Education: Radcliffe College, Cambridge, Massachusetts, AB in French 1951 (Phi Beta Kappa); Columbia University, New York (Faculty fellow; Fulbright fellow, 1953), MA in romance languages 1952. Career: Instructor in French, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, 1954, and University of Idaho, Mos…

15 minute read

Ursula K(roeber) Le Guin (1929-) Biography - Career, Awards, Honors, Adaptations, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Member, Writings

Surname pronounced "Luh-Gwin"; born 1929, in Berkeley, CA; Education: Radcliffe College, A.B., 1951; Columbia University, A.M., 1952. Office—P.O. Box 10541, Portland, OR 97296-0541. Agent—Virginia Kidd, P.O. Box 278, Milford, PA 18337. Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, Authors League of America, Writers Guild, PEN, Science Fiction Research Assoc…

8 minute read

Sonia de León de Vega: 1964—: Conductor Biography

When Sonia de León de Vega heard her first Beethoven symphony as a child, she decided to find out all she could about the composer. This inspiration helped launch her life long love affair with classical music that eventually led to her becoming a conductor. In 1986 de Vega conducted the Papal Mass at St. Peter's Ba-silica, and for several years she traveled broadly as a guest conduc…

5 minute read

Luis Leal: 1907—: Scholar, Literary Critic Biography - Need For Education Sparked Self-motivation, Began To Study Mexican Literature, Moved From University To University

On the same day Charles Lindbergh completed his historic crossing of the Atlantic Ocean—May 21, 1927—Luis Leal stepped off the train at Union Station in Chicago. As with Lindbergh, this Mexican native would become known as a pioneer in his field. Professor Leal helped develop the study of Latin American literature and is considered one of the founders of the field of Chicano/Chicana …

1 minute read

Martine Leavitt (1953–) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

(Martine Bates) Born 1953, in Taber, Alberta, Canada; (second marriage) Dallas. Education: University of Calgary, graduated (first-class honors), 1996; Vermont College, M.F.A., 2003. Copy editor for SMART Technologies, Inc.; freelance writer. Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers, Writer's Union of Canada. American Association of Mormon Letters Award, f…

5 minute read

Chang-rae Lee Biography

Nationality: American. Born: Seoul, South Korea, 1965. Education: Yale University, B.A. 1987; University of Oregon, M.F.A. 1993. Career: Assistant professor of creative writing, University of Oregon, Eugene, 1993—. Agent: Amanda Urban, International Creative Management, 40 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019, U.S.A. Address: Creative Writing Program, University of Oregon, Eugene, Or…

3 minute read

Sky Lee Biography

Nationality: Canadian. Born: Port Alberni, British Columbia, 1952. Education: University of British Columbia, B.A.; Douglas College, diploma in nursing. Career: Nurse and writer. In "All Spikes but the Last" (1957), F. R. Scott rebukes E. J. Pratt for failing in his epic, Towards the Last Spike (1952), to acknowledge the contribution Chinese laborers made in finishing the transnation…

4 minute read

Jennifer L.B. Leese (1970-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Sidelights

(J. V. Harlee, a joint pseudonym) Born 1970; Hobbies and other interests: Spending time with family. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Heinemann Library, 100 North La Salle, Ste. 1200, Chicago, IL 60602. Freelance writer and copyeditor. Picket News, managing editor and feature writer. World Romance Writers, Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, EPIC, EPPRO, Potomac Writer'…

2 minute read

John Leguizamo: 1964—: Comedian, Actor Biography

John Leguizamo: 1964—: Comedian, actor. The New York Post once wrote, "John Leguizamo is a force of nature, a volcano of words, a torrent of ideas. He moves a lot, too." He has grown from a prankster who was called a troublemaker in his youth into a comedian and then an actor. Leguizamo has produced, directed, and starred in two solo shows: Spic-o-Rama and Mambo Mouth, an…

9 minute read

Barbara Lehman (1963–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1963, in Chicago, IL; Education: Pratt Institute, B.F.A. (illustration). Hobbies and other interests: Letterpress printing, Aikido, gardening, bookbinding. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Candlewick Press, 2067 Massachusetts Ave., 5th Fl., Cambridge, MA 02140. Illustrator, author, and commercial artist. Self-employed freelance artist; clients include New York Times, New York City Transit Author…

6 minute read

Alan Lelchuk Biography - Alan Lelchuk comments:

Nationality: American. Born: Brooklyn, New York, 1938. Education: Brooklyn College, B.A. 1960; University College, London, 1962-63; Stanford University, California, M.A. 1963, Ph.D. in English 1965. Career: Assistant professor of English, 1966-75, and writer-in-residence, 1975-81, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts. Since 1985 professor of English, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshir…

9 minute read

Jay Leno (1950-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1950, in New Rochelle, NY; Education: Emerson College, graduated, 1973. Hobbies and other interests: Antique motorcycles and automobiles. Office—c/o NBC Enterprises, 3500 Olive Dr., 15th Fl., Burbank, CA 91510-7885. Television personality, actor, comedian, and writer. Rolls Royce auto mechanic and deliveryman; stand-up comedian at venues, including Carnegie Hall and Caesar's Pal…

9 minute read

Elmore Leonard Biography

Nationality: American. Born: New Orleans, Louisiana, 1925. Education: The University of Detroit, 1946-50, Ph.B. in English 1950. Military Service: Served in the United States Naval Reserve, 1943-46. Career: Copywriter, Campbell Ewald advertising agency, Detroit, 1950-61; writer of industrial and educational films, 1961-63; director, Elmore Leonard Advertising Company, 1963-66. Since 1967 full-time…

9 minute read

Elmore (John Jr.) Leonard (1925-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1925, in New Orleans, LA; married Beverly Cline, July 30, Elmore Leonard 1949 (divorced May 24, 1977); Education: University of Detroit, Ph.B., 1950. Religion: Roman Catholic. Agent—Michael Siegel, Michael Siegel & Associates, 11532 Thurston Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90049. Writer, 1967—. Campbell-Ewald Advertising Agency, Detroit, MI, copywriter, 1950-61; freelance c…

15 minute read

Alice (Alison Hart) Leonhardt (1950-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1950, in Baltimore, MD; Education: University of Maryland, B.S.; John Hopkins University, M.S. Special education teacher, Howard County MD, 1976-94; writer, 1988—; Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave, VA, adjunct instructor, 1995—; courtappointed special advocate for abused children, 1996—. Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Sisters in Crime…

6 minute read

Roger Leslie (1961–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

(Roger James Leslie) Born 1961, in Lincoln Park, MI; Ethnicity: "White." Education: University of Houston, B.A. (English education), 1984, M.L.S., 1997; Antioch University, M.A. (creative writing), 1995. Hobbies and other interests: Spiritual studies, cinema, swimming, dachshunds, travel. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Bayou Publishing, 2524 Nottingham, Houston, TX 77005-1412. Freela…

3 minute read

Frané Lessac (1954-) Biography - Career, Awards, Honors, Writings, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Member, Work in Progress

Given name is pronounced "Fra-nay;" born 1954, in Jersey City, NJ; Education: Attended New School for Social Research, 1973, University of Southern California, 1974, and University of California—Los Angeles, 1975-76. Offıce—c/o Artbeat Publishers, P.O. Box 1110, Fremantle, West Australia 6160, Australia. Agent—Marcia Wernick, Sheldon Fogelman Agency, 10 Ea…

2 minute read

Doris (May) Lessing Biography

Pseudonym: Jane Somers. Nationality: British. Born: Doris May Tayler in Kermanshah, Persia, 1919; moved with her family to England, then to Banket, Southern Rhodesia, 1924. Education: Dominican Convent School, Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, 1926-34. Career: Au pair, Salisbury, 1934-35; telephone operator and clerk, Salisbury, 1937-39; typist, 1946-48; journalist, Cape Town Guardian, 1949; moved to …

25 minute read

Julius (Bernard) Lester (1939-) Biography - Career, Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Writings

Born 1939, in St. Louis, MO; (second marriage) Elena Milad Grohmann (stepdaughter), David Julius; (third marriage) Lian Amaris Brennan (stepdaughter). Education: Fisk University, B.A., 1960. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Dial Press, Dell Publishing, 1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036. (Editor, with Mary Varela) Our Folk Tales: High John, The Conqueror, and Other Afro-American Tales, illustrated by…

4 minute read

Jonathan (Allen) Lethem Biography

Nationality: American. Born: New York, New York, 1964. Education: Attended Bennington College, 1982-84. Career: Bookseller, Brazen Head Books, New York, 1977-80, Gryphon Books, New York, 1982-84, Pegasus Books, Berkeley, California, 1985-90, Moe's Books, Berkeley, California, 1990-94; writer. Awards: Best first novel of the year (Locus magazine), 1994; Crawford Award for best first fantasy …

8 minute read

Sarah Levete (1961-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1961, in United Kingdom; Education: Sussex University, B.A. (with honors), 1985. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Aladdin Books, 2-3 Fitzroy Mews, London W1T 6DJ, England. British Council Public Theatre Network, arts administrator, 1986-94; Aladdin Books, Two-Can, and Dorling Kindersley, London, England, senior editor, 1994-2001; writer and editor, 2001—. Society of Authors. Editor…

2 minute read

Ira Levin Biography

Nationality: American. Born: New York City, 1929. Education: Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, 1946-48; New York University; 1948-50, A.B. 1950. Military Service: Served in the United States Army Signal Corps, 1953-55. Awards: Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe award, 1954, 1980; Bram Stoker award, 1997. Agent: Harold Ober Associates, 425 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10017, U.S.A. …

7 minute read

Gail Carson Levine (1947–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1947, in New York, NY; Education: City College of the City University of New York, B.A., 1969. Agent—c/o Author's Mail, HarperCollins Children's Books, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. Children's book author. New York State Department of Labor, New York, NY, employment interviewer, 1970–82; New York State Department of Commerce, New York, NY,…

8 minute read

(Albert) Norman Levine Biography - Norman Levine comments:

Nationality: Canadian. Born: Ottawa, Ontario, 1923. Education: York Street School and High School of Commerce, Ottawa; Carleton College, Ottawa, 1945; McGill University, Montreal, 1946-49, B.A. 1948, M.A. 1949; King's College, London, 1949-50. Military Service: Served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, 1942-45: Flying Officer. Career: Employed by the Department of National Defence, Ottawa, 19…

5 minute read

David Levithan (1972–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1972, in Short Hills, NJ. Education: Brown University, B.A., 1994. Hobbies and other interests: Photography. Office—Scholastic, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012-3999. Writer; Scholastic, New York, NY, editorial director of Push imprint. New School University Graduate School of Creative Writing, New York, NY, professor of children's and teen literature. (Editor) You Are Here, Th…

6 minute read

Elizabeth Levy (1942–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1942, in Buffalo, NY; Education: Brown University, B.A. (magna cum laude), 1964; Columbia University, M.A.T., 1968. Hobbies and other interests: Marathons, bike tours, baseball. Agent—Amy Berkower, Writers House, 21 W. 26th St., New York, NY 10010. Writer, 1971–. American Broadcasting Co., New York, NY, editor and researcher in news department, 1964–66; Macmillan Publish…

22 minute read

Ted Lewin (1935–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1935, in Buffalo, NY; Education: Pratt Institute of Art, B.F.A., 1956. Hobbies and other interests: Photography, painting, and watching birds. Agent—c/o Author Mail, HarperCollins Children's, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. Professional wrestler, 1952–65; artist and freelance illustrator, 1956–. Exhibitions: Solo exhibit at Laboratory of Ornitholo…

24 minute read

Betsy Lewin (1937–) Biography - Personal, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1937, in Clearfield, PA; Education: Pratt Institute of Art, B.F.A., 1959. Hobbies and other interests: Traveling to wilderness areas throughout the world, hiking, canoeing, and observing wildlife. Freelance writer and illustrator. Exhibitions: joint exhibition with Ted Lewin at National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, Abilene, TX, 2002. Pick of the List, American Booksell…

14 minute read

Oliver Lewis Biography

1856–1924 Jockey Riding the colt Aristides, Oliver Lewis won the inaugural Kentucky Derby on May 17, 1875. His time of two minutes 37.75 seconds also set an American record over the mile and a half distance (the Kentucky Derby became a 1.25 mile race in 1896). Lewis was one of 13 black jockeys in the 15-strong field. Early in the race, he joined a small group behind Volcano, who led the rac…

4 minute read

Wendy A. Lewis (1966-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1966, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Education: University of Toronto, B.A., 1988; also attended Seneca College. Agent—c/o Author Correspondence, Red Deer Press, MLT 813 2500 University Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4. Retail store owner, 1989-93; public relations, marketing, and sales manager for a retirement community, 1994-96; writer, 1996—. Writing for Children contest wi…

3 minute read

J. Patrick Lewis (1942–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1942, in Gary, IN; (stepEducation: St. Joseph's College (Rensselaer, IN), B.A., 1964; Indiana University—Bloomington, M.A., 1965; Ohio State University, Ph.D., 1974. Agent—Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown, Lt., 10 Astor Pl., New York, NY 10003. Otterbein College, Westerville, OH, professor of economics, 1974–98; writer for children; speaker at conferences; presents t…

19 minute read

Aylwin Lewis Biography

1954(?)— Retail executive Lewis, Aylwin, photograph. AP/Wide World Photos Reproduced by permission. When Texas native Aylwin Lewis became president and chief executive officer of the Kmart Holding Corporation in the fall of 2004, the job carried the distinction of making Lewis the highest ranking African-American executive in the U.S. retail industry. His authority increased immeasur…

6 minute read

Marvin Lewis Biography - Became Senior Class President, Hired As Assistant Coach, Took Visible Role In Cincinnati

1958— Professional football coach When he was named head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals on January 14, 2003, Marvin Lewis became the seventh African American to hold the position of head coach in the modern National Football League (NFL). The promise shown by his distinguished career as an assistant coach was fulfilled when he reversed the fortunes of a team that had been a perennial basem…

1 minute read

E.B. Lewis (1956–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Illustrator, Sidelights

(Earl Bradley Lewis) Born 1956, in Philadelphia, PA. Education: Attended Tyler School of Art, Temple University. Agent—Dwyer & O'Grady Inc., P.O. Box 239, East Lempster, NH 03605. Artist and illustrator. University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA, instructor in illustration. Exhibitions: Work included in permanent collection of Pew Charitable Trust. Society of Illustrators, Philadelph…

8 minute read

Barbara M. Libby Biography - Personal, Sidelights - Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress

Agent—c/o Author Mail, Eclipse Press, 3101 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington, KY 40513. South-Western Publishing Co., Cincinnati, OH, book designer, 1978-89; freelance book designer, 1989-2000; writer and illustrator, 1992—. Artist-in-residence, James E. Biggs Early Childhood Education Center, Covington, KY, 2000-01. Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Nationa…

less than 1 minute read

Tom Lichtenheld Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Education: Graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1979. Hobbies and other interests: Bicycling, swimming. Tom Lichtenheld Office—910 James St., Geneva, IL 60134. Art director, illustrator, and author. Fallon, Minneapolis, MN, art director, 1984-2001; freelance art director, 2001—. Has taught advertising classes at Miami Advertising School, Minneapolis, MN, and Chicago…

6 minute read

Catherine Lim Biography - Catherine Lim comments:

Nationality: Singaporean (naturalized). Born: Kedah, Malaysia, 1942. Education: University of Malaysia, B.A. (honours) in English l963; National University of Singapore, M.A. in applied linguistics 1979, Ph.D. 1987. Career: Education officer, 1965-78; deputy director of curriculum development, Institute of Singapore, 1979-85; lecturer in sociolinguistics, Seameo Regional Centre, Singapore, 1989-9…

4 minute read

Sue Limb (1946-) Biography - Career, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Honors Awards, Writings

Born 1946, in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, England; Education: Newnham College, Cambridge, B.A. (English), 1968; University of Cambridge, certificate of education, 1972. Hobbies and other interests: Natural history, horticulture and agriculture, travel, architecture, music, politics, and painting. Agent—Rosemary Canter, c/o Peters, Fraser & Dunlop, Drury House, 24-43 Russell St., London W…

1 minute read

Grace Lin (1974–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1974; Education: Rhode Island School of Design, B.F.A. (illustration), 1996. Office—P.O. Box 401036, North Cambridge, MA 02140. Freelance illustrator and author, beginning 1997. Formerly worked in a children's bookstore. Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. The Ugly Vegetables, Charlesbridge (Watertown, MA), 1999. Dim Sum for Everyone!, Alfred A. Knopf (N…

6 minute read

Reeve Lindbergh (1945-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

(Reeve Lindbergh Brown) Born 1945; divorced); (second marriage) Benjamin. Education: Attended Radcliff College. Agent—c/o Simon and Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Writer; formerly an educator in Vermont. Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation, member of board, 1977—, vice president, 1986-95, president, 1995-2004, honorary chairman, 2004—. R…

18 minute read

Mance Lipscomb Biography - Selected works

1895-1976 Singer and guitarist The music of Texan Mance Lipscomb opens a window on the musical culture of African Americans in the early twentieth century, before the blues became a dominant genre. Lipscomb sang and played the blues, but he rejected the label of blues musician in favor of "songster," which covered the much wider range of musical types that were part of his repertoire…

6 minute read

Robert (Michael) Lipsyte (1938–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

Born 1938, in New York, NY; Education: Columbia University, B.A., 1957, M.S., 1959. Agent—Theron Raines, Raines & Raines, 71 Park Ave., Ste. 4A, New York, NY 10016. New York Times, New York, NY, copyboy, 1957–59, sports reporter, 1959–67, sports columnist, 1967–71, 1991–; New York Post, New York, NY, columnist, 1977; Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc. (CBS-TV), N…

24 minute read

Janet Taylor Lisle (1947-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Born 1947, in Englewood, NJ; Education: Smith College, B.A., 1969; studied journalism at Georgia State University. Agent—Gina Maccoby, P.O. Box 60, Chappaqua, NY 10514. Writer. Has worked as a journalist in Georgia and New York; VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), volunteer, Atlanta, GA, c. 1970. Janet Taylor Lisle Best Books for Young Adults, American Library Association (ALA)…

17 minute read

Rebecca Lisle Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Born in Yorkshire, England; Education: Attended Newcastle University and Oxford University. Agent—c/o Author Mail, G. P. Putnam, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014. Writer. Sparks Will Fly, Viking Kestrel (London, England), 1988. Shrubbery Skullduggery, Doubleday (New York, NY), 1990. The Weatherstone Eleven, Yearling (London, England), 1994. Finders, Keepers, Yearling (London, England), 19…

2 minute read

(Flora) Jean Little (1932-) Biography - Awards, Honors, Writings, Sidelights - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Adaptations, Work in Progress

Born 1932, in T'ai-nan, Formosa (now Taiwan); Education: University of Toronto, B.A., 1955; attended Institute of Special Education; received teaching certificate from University of Utah. Religion: Christian. Hobbies and other interests: Designing and hooking rugs. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Viking, 10 Alcorn Ave., Ste. 300, Toronto, Ontario M4V 3B2, Canada. Teacher of children with phys…

1 minute read

Penelope (Margaret) Lively Biography

Nationality: British. Born: Penelope Margaret Low in Cairo, Egypt, 1933; came to England, 1945. Education: Boarding school in Sussex, 1945-51; St. Anne's College, Oxford, B.A. (honors) in modern history 1956. Career: Has been presenter for BBC Radio program on children's literature; regular reviewer for newspapers and magazines in England. Awards: Library Association Carnegie Medal, …

9 minute read

Penelope Lively (1933-) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

(Penelope Margaret Lively) Born 1933, in Cairo, Egypt; brought to England, 1945; Education: St. Anne's College, Oxford, B.A., 1956. Politics: "Left-wing." Hobbies and other interests: History, travel. Office—Agent—Bruce Hunter, David Higham Associates, 5-8 Lower John St., Golden Sq., London W1F 9HA, England. Freelance writer. Has also worked as a research assista…

15 minute read

(M.) Irene Livingston (1932-) Biography - Personal, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1932, in Minto, New Brunswick, Canada; Education: Attended Teachers' College, Fredericton, Canada. Taught school for seven years; worked as recreational day care worker with the elderly; writer. Designer and illustrator of greeting cards. Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Canadian Children's Book Centre, Canadian Poetry Association, Burnaby Writers�…

6 minute read

Mario Vargas Llosa: 1936—: Writer Biography - Stayed On In France, Rejected Socialism

Mario Vargas Llosa: 1936—: Writer. Already a profound chronicler of South America's political and social reality, Mario Vargas Llosa took an unusual step for a writer in the 1980s: he immersed himself in the political life of his native Peru rather than simply standing outside it as an observer. In the widest sense, Vargas Llosa has been a champion of freedom, a writer who spoke …

1 minute read

David T. Lloyd (1954–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Sidelights

(David Lloyd) Born 1954, in Utica, NY; Education: St. Lawrence University, B.A., 1975; University of Vermont, M.A., 1978; Brown University, M.A. (creative writing) and Ph.D., 1985. Office—English Department, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY 13214. Le Moyne College, Syracuse, NY, 1985–, assistant professor, associate professor, then professor of English and director of creative-writing…

4 minute read

A.R. Lloyd (1927–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

(Alan Lloyd, Alan Richard Lloyd) Born 1927, in London, England; Education: Attended Kingston School of Art. Agent—c/o Author Mail, HarperCollins UK, 77-85 Fulham Palace Rd., London W6 8JB, England. Jersey Evening Post, Jersey, England, journalist; freelance magazine writer; full-time writer, beginning 1962. Military service: British Army, Royal Fusiliers. The Last Otter, illustrated by Doug…

6 minute read

Ginnie Lo Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

(Virginia M. Lo) Born 1983. Hobbies and other interests: Origami, mahjong, ethnic music, foreign films, bicycling, hiking, soccer. Office—Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1202. Educator. University of Oregon, Eugene, assistant professor, then associate professor of computer and information science, 1985–. A collaboration between …

2 minute read

Anita (Kempler) Lobel (1934–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Adaptations, Sidelights

Surname is pronounced "Lo-bel"; born 1934, in Cracow, Poland; immigrated to United States, 1952; naturalized citizen, 1956; Education: Pratt Institute, B.F.A., 1955; attended Brooklyn Museum Art School, 1975–76. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Greenwillow Books, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019. Freelance textile designer, 1957–64; writer and illustrator o…

23 minute read

Rebecca Lobo: 1973—: Basketball Player Biography - Balanced Academics And Athletics, Became Standout Player At Connecticut, Popularity Helped Wnba

Rebecca Lobo: 1973—: Basketball player. Rebecca Lobo emerged as one of the biggest stars of the fledgling Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 1997, when she was drafted by the New York Liberty. Already a media sensation from her days as a leading force behind the University of Connecticut women's basketball team's NCAA championship in 1995, Lobo…

1 minute read

David (John) Lodge Biography - David Lodge comments:

Nationality: British. Born: London, 1935. Education: St. Joseph's Academy, London; University College, London, 1952-55, 1957-59, B.A. (honors) in English 1955; M.A. 1959; University of Birmingham, Ph.D. 1967. Military Service: served in the Royal Armoured Corps, 1955-57. Career: Assistant, British Council, London, 1959-60. Assistant lecturer, 1960-62, lecturer, 1963-71, senior lecturer, 197…

13 minute read

Bill Loehfelm Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Male. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Lucent Books, 10911 Technology Place, San Diego, CA 92127. Freelance journalist and writer in New Orleans, LA; teaching assistant in English, University of New Orleans. Osama Bin Laden ("Heroes and Villains" series), Lucent Books (San Diego, CA), 2003. Bill Loehfelm is a journalist and educator in New Orleans who specializes in that city's …

1 minute read

Rochelle Logan (1954–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Writings

Born 1954, in San Francisco, CA; Education: Attended Humboldt State University, 1973–76; Texas Tech University, B.S. (business administration), 1978; University of Denver, M.L.I.S., 1999. Office—Douglas County Libraries, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock, CO 80103. Colorado State University, Denver, associate director of library research service, 1999–2001; Douglas County Librar…

1 minute read

Mary Logue (1952–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

Born 1952; partner of Pete Hautman (a writer). Office—c/o Mid-List Press, 4324 12th Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN, 55407-3218. Agent—Jennifer Flanney, Flanney Literary, 1140 Widefield Ct., Napervielle, IL 60563 (for Jane Chelius, 548 Second St., Brooklyn, NY 11215 (for adult). Poet, mystery novelist, editor, and author of children's books. First Book of Poetry award, Mid-List Pr…

8 minute read

Melinda Long Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Writings, Sidelights

Education: Furman University, 1982. Agent—c/o Author's Mail, Harcourt St., Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101. Teacher and author. When Papa Snores, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (New York, NY), 2000. Melinda Long Hiccup Snickup, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (New York, NY), 2001. How I Became a Pirate, illustrated by David Shannon, Harcourt (S…

2 minute read

Christine Loomis Biography - Personal, Career, Writings, Sidelights

children: three. Author of children's books, family travel guides, and magazine articles; former family travel editor for Family Life magazine and Parents' magazine. My New Baby-Sitter, photographs by George Ancona, Morrow (New York, NY), 1991. At the Laundromat, illustrated by Nancy Poydar, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993. At the Library, illustrated by Nancy Poydar, Scholastic (New…

8 minute read

Jennifer Lopez: 1970—: Actor, Singer, Dancer Biography - Grew Up In Musical Household, Landed Fly-girl Gig, Known For Curvaceous Physique, Tangled With Law, Walked Down Aisle

Jennifer Lopez: 1970—: Actor, singer, dancer. Jennifer Lopez is what is known in the entertainment business as a "triple threat"—she can dance, sing, and act. She was a dancing Fly Girl on the 1990s television show In Living Color, and got her break in her lead role as Selena, the 1997 film about the murdered Tejano pop star. She became the first Latina actress to h…

3 minute read

Celia Barker Lottridge (1936-) Biography - Awards, Honors, Sidelights - Personal, Career, Member, Writings, Adaptations

Born 1936, in Iowa City, IA; Education: Stanford University, B.A. (modern European history), 1957; Columbia University, M.L.S., 1959; University of Toronto, B.Ed, 1975. Writer and storyteller. Children's librarian in San Diego, CA; lower-school librarian at Dalton School, New York, NY; librarian in Rhode Island, 1965-72; Toronto School Board, teacher-librarian. Children's Book Store,…

2 minute read

Ann Love (1947–) Biography - Personal, Addresses, Career, Member, Honors Awards, Writings, Work in Progress, Sidelights

(Kathleen Ann Love) Born 1947, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Ethnicity: "Anglo." Education: University of Toronto, B.A. 1969, M.A., 1970, B.Ed., 1991. Politics: "Green." Religion: Anglican. Hobbies and other interests: Reading, travel, natural history. Agent—c/o Author Mail, Ticknor & Fields, 215 Park Ave. S., New York, NY 10003. Children's author, 1990&#x…

10 minute read

Earl Lovelace Biography

Nationality: Trinidadian. Born: Taco, Trinidad, 1935. Career: Proofreader, Trinidad Guardian, 1953-54; civil servant: agricultural assistant in Jamaica, 1956-66; journalist, Trinidad and Tobago Express, 1967; lecturer in English, University of the District of Columbia, 1971-73; writer-in-residence, Hartwick College, Oneonta, New York, 1986. Since 1977 teacher, University of the West Indies, Saint …

7 minute read