Martin, Ann M. 1955–
Martin, Ann M. 1955–
PERSONAL:
Born August 12, 1955, in Princeton, NJ; daughter of Henry Read (a cartoonist) and Edith Aiken (a teacher) Martin. Education: Smith College, A.B. (cum laude), 1977. Politics: Democrat. Hobbies and other interests: "Reading and needlework, especially smocking and knitting."
ADDRESSES:
Home—Woodstock, NY. Agent—Amy Berkower, Writers House, Inc., 21 W. 26th St., New York, NY 10010.
CAREER:
Elementary school teacher in Noroton, CT, 1977-78; Pocket Books, Inc., New York, NY, editorial assistant for Archway Paperbacks, 1978-80; Scholastic Book Services, New York, NY, copywriter for Teen Age Book Club, 1980-81, associate editor, 1981-83, editor, 1983; Bantam Books, Inc., New York, NY, senior editor of Books for Young Readers, 1983-85; writer and freelance editor, 1985—. Founder of Lisa Libraries (charitable organization); founder of Ann M. Martin Foundation.
MEMBER:
PEN, Authors Guild, Society of Children's Book Writers.
AWARDS, HONORS:
New Jersey Author awards, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 1983, for Bummer Summer, 1987, for Missing since Monday; Children's Choice, 1985, for Bummer Summer; Child Study Association of America Children's Books of the Year selection, 1986, for Inside Out, 1987, for Stage Fright, With You and without You, and Missing since Monday; Keystone State Reading Award, 1998, for Leo the Magnificat; California Young Reader Medal nomination, 2000, and Washington Sasquatch Reading Award nomination, 2001, both for P.S. Longer Letter Later; Newbery Medal Honor Book, 2003, for A Corner of the Universe.
WRITINGS:
Bummer Summer, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1983.
Just You and Me, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1983.
(With Betsy Ryan) My Puppy Scrapbook, illustrated by father, Henry Martin, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1983.
Inside Out, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1984.
Stage Fright, illustrated by Blanche Sims, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1984.
Me and Katie (the Pest), illustrated by Blanche Sims, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1985.
With You and without You, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1986.
Missing since Monday, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1986.
Just a Summer Romance, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1987.
Slam Book, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1987.
Yours Turly, Shirley, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1988.
Ten Kids, No Pets, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1988.
Fancy Dance in Feather Town, illustrated by Henry Martin, Western Publishing, 1988.
Ma and Pa Dracula, illustrated by Dirk Zimmer, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1989.
Moving Day in Feather Town, illustrated by Henry Martin, Western Publishing, 1989.
Eleven Kids, One Summer, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1991.
Enchanted Attic, Bantam (New York, NY), 1992.
Rachel Parker, Kindergarten Show-off, illustrated by Nancy Poydar, Holiday House (New York, NY), 1992.
Chain Letter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
(With Margot Becker) Ann M. Martin: The Story of the Author of the Baby-Sitters Club, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Leo the Magnificat, illustrated by Emily A. McCully, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
(With Paula Danziger) P.S. Longer Letter Later, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
(With Laura Godwin) The Doll People, Hyperion (New York, NY), 1999.
(With Paula Danziger) Snail Mail No More, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Belle Teal, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2001.
A Corner of the Universe, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002.
(With Laura Godwin) The Meanest Doll in the World, illustrated by Brian Selznick, Hyperion (New York, NY), 2003.
Here Today, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2004.
(Editor, with David Levithan) Friends: Stories about New Friends, Old Friends, and Unexpectedly True Friends, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2005.
A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2005.
On Christmas Eve, illustrated by Jon J. Muth, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2006.
(With Laura Godwin) The Runaway Dolls, illustrated by Brian Selznick, Hyperion (New York, NY), 2008.
"BABY-SITTERS CLUB" SERIES
Kristy's Great Idea, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1986.
Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1986.
The Truth about Stacey, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1986.
Mary Anne Saves the Day, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1987.
Dawn and the Impossible Three, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1987.
Kristy's Big Day, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1987.
Claudia and Mean Janine, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1987.
Boy-crazy Stacey, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1987.
The Ghost at Dawn's House, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Logan Likes Mary Anne!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Kristy and the Snobs, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Claudia and the New Girl, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Good-bye Stacey, Good-bye, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Hello, Mallory, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Little Miss Stoneybrook … and Dawn, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Jessi's Secret Language, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Mary Anne's Bad-luck Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Stacey's Mistake, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Claudia and the Bad Joke, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Kristy and the Walking Disaster, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Mallory and the Trouble with the Twins, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Jessi Ramsey, Pet-Sitter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Dawn on the Coast, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Kristy and the Mother's Day Surprise, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Mary Anne and the Search for Tigger, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Claudia and the Sad Good-bye, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Jessi and the Superbrat, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Welcome Back, Stacey!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Mallory and the Mystery Diary, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Mary Anne and the Great Romance, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Dawn's Wicked Stepsister, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Kristy and the Secret of Susan, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Claudia and the Great Search, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Mary Anne and Too Many Boys, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Stacey and the Mystery of Stoneybrook, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Jessi's Baby-Sitter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Dawn and the Older Boy, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Kristy's Mystery Admirer, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Poor Mallory, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Claudia and the Middle School Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Mary Anne vs. Logan, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Jessi and the Dance School Phantom, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Stacey's Emergency, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Dawn and the Big Sleepover, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Kristy and the Baby Parade, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Mary Anne Misses Logan, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Mallory on Strike, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Jessi's Wish, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Claudia and the Genius of Elm Street, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Dawn's Big Date, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Stacey's Ex-Best Friend, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Mary Anne and Too Many Babies, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Kristy for President, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Mallory and the Dream Horse, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Jessi's Gold Medal, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Keep out, Claudia!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Dawn Saves the Planet, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Stacey's Choice, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Mallory Hates Boys (and Gym), Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Mary Anne's Makeover, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Jessi and the Awful Secret, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Kristy and the Worst Kid Ever, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Claudia's Friend, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Dawn's Family Feud, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Stacey's Big Crush, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Maid Mary Anne, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Dawn's Big Move, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Jessi and the Bad Baby-Sitter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Get Well Soon, Mallory, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Stacey and the Cheerleaders, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Claudia and the Perfect Boy, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Dawn and the We Love Kids Club, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Mary Anne and Miss Priss, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Kristy and the Copycat, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Jessi's Horrible Prank, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Stacey's Lie, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Dawn and Whitney, Friends Forever, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Claudia and Crazy Peaches, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Mary Anne Breaks the Rules, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Mallory Pike, #1 Fan, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Kristy and Mr. Mom, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Jessi and the Troublemaker, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Stacey vs. the BSC, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Dawn and the School Spirit War, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Claudia Kishi, Live from WSTO, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Mary Anne and Camp BSC, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Stacey and the Bad Girls, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Farewell, Dawn, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Kristy and the Dirty Diapers, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Welcome to the BSC, Abby, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Claudia and the First Thanksgiving, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Mallory's Christmas Wish, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Mary Anne and the Memory Garden, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Stacey McGill, Super Sitter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Kristy + Bart =?, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Abby's Lucky Thirteen, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Claudia and the World's Cutest Baby, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Dawn and Too Many Sitters, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Stacey's Broken Heart, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Kristy's Worst Idea, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Claudia Kishi, Middle School Drop Out, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Mary Anne and the Little Princess, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Happy Holidays, Jessi, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Abby's Twin, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Stacey the Match Whiz, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Claudia, Queen of the Seventh Grade, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Mind Your Own Business, Kristy!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Don't Give up, Mallory, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Mary Anne to the Rescue, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Abby the Bad Sport, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Stacey's Secret Friend, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Kristy and the Sister War, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Claudia Makes up Her Mind, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
The Secret Life of Mary Anne Spier, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Jessi's Big Break, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Abby and the Best Kid Ever, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Claudia and the Terrible Truth, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Kristy Thomas, Dog Trainer, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Stacey's Ex-Boyfriend, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Mary Anne and the Playground Fight, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Abby in Wonderland, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Kristy in Charge, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Claudia's Big Party, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Stacey McGill … Matchmaker?, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Mary Anne in the Middle, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
The All-New Mallory Pike, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Abby's Un-Valentine, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Claudia and the Little Liar, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Kristy at Bat, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Stacey's Movie, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
The Fire at Mary Anne's House, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Graduation Day, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
"FRIENDS FOREVER" SERIES
Kristy's Big News, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Stacey vs. Claudia, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Mary Anne's Big Break Up, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Claudia and the Friendship Feud, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Kristy Power, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Stacey and the Boyfriend Trap, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Claudia Gets Her Guy, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Mary Anne's Revenge, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Kristy and the Kidnapper, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Stacey's Problem, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Welcome Home, Mary Anne, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Claudia and the Disaster Date, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
"FRIENDS FOREVER SPECIAL" SERIES
Everything Changes, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Graduation Day, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
"BABY-SITTERS CLUB MYSTERY" SERIES
Stacey and the Missing Ring, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Beware, Dawn!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Mallory and the Ghost Cat, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Kristy and the Missing Child, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Mary Anne and the Secret in the Attic, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
The Mystery at Claudia's House, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Dawn and the Disappearing Dogs, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Jessi and the Jewel Thieves, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Kristy and the Haunted Mansion, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Stacey and the Mystery Money, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Claudia and the Mystery at the Museum, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Dawn and the Surfer Ghost, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Mary Anne and the Library Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Stacey and the Mystery at the Mall, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Kristy and the Vampires, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Claudia and the Clue in the Photograph, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Dawn and the Halloween Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Stacey and the Mystery at the Empty House, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Kristy and the Missing Fortune, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Mary Anne and the Zoo Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Claudia and the Recipe for Danger, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Stacey and the Haunted Masquerade, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Abby and the Secret Society, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Mary Anne and the Silent Witness, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Kristy and the Middle School Vandal, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Dawn Schafer, Undercover Baby-Sitter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Claudia and the Lighthouse Ghost, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Abby and the Mystery Baby, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Stacey and the Fashion Victim, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Kristy and the Mystery Train, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Mary Anne and the Music Box Secret, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Claudia and the Mystery in the Painting, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Stacey and the Stolen Hearts, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Mary Anne and the Haunted Bookstore, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Abby and the Notorious Neighbor, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Kristy and the Cat Burglar, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
"BABY-SITTERS CLUB SUPER SPECIALS" SERIES
Baby-Sitters on Board!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Baby-Sitters Summer Vacation, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Baby-Sitters Winter Vacation, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Baby-Sitters Island Adventure, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
California Girls!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
New York, New York!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Snowbound, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Baby-Sitters at Shadow Lake, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Starring the Baby-Sitters Club, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Sea City, Here We Come!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
The Baby-Sitters Remember, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Here Come the Bridesmaids!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Aloha, Baby-Sitters!, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
"BABY-SITTERS LITTLE SISTERS" SERIES
Karen's Witch, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Karen's Roller Skates, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1988.
Karen's Worst Day, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Karen's Kittycat Club, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Karen's School Picture, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Karen's Little Sister, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1989.
Karen's Birthday, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Karen's Haircut, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Karen's Sleepover, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Karen's Grandmothers, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Karen's Prize, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Karen's Ghost, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Karen's Surprise, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Karen's New Year, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Karen's in Love, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Karen's Goldfish, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Karen's Brothers, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Karen's Home Run, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Karen's Good-bye, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Karen's Carnival, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Karen's New Teacher, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Karen's Little Witch, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Doll, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's School Trip, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Pen Pal, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Ducklings, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Big Joke, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Tea Party, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Cartwheel, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Kittens, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Bully, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Pumpkin Patch, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Secret, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Snow Day, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's Doll Hospital, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's New Friend, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's Tuba, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's Big Lie, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's Wedding, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's Newspaper, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's School, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's Pizza Party, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's Toothache, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's Big Weekend, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Karen's Twin, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Baby-Sitter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Kite, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Two Families, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Stepmother, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Lucky Penny, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Big Top, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Mermaid, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's School Bus, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Candy, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Magician, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's Ice Skates, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Karen's School Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Ski Trip, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Leprechaun, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Pony, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Tattletale, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's New Bike, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Movie, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Lemonade Stand, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Toys, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Monsters, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Turkey Day, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Angel, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Karen's Big Sister, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's Grandad, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's Island Adventure, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's New Puppy, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's Dinosaur, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's Softball Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's County Fair, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's Magic Garden, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's School Surprise, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's Half Birthday, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's Big Fight, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's Christmas Tree, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Karen's Accident, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Secret Valentine, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Bunny, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Big Job, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Treasure, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Telephone Trouble, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Pony Camp, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Puppet Show, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Unicorn, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Haunted House, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Pilgrim, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Sleigh Ride, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Cooking Contest, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Snow Princess, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Promise, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Big Move, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Paper Route, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Fishing Trip, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Big City Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Chain Letter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Karen's Black Cat, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Movie Star, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Christmas Carol, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Nanny, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's President, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Copycat, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Field Day, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Show and Share, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Swim Meet, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Spy Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's New Holiday, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Hurricane, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Karen's Chicken Pox, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Karen's Runaway Turkey, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Karen's Reindeer, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Karen's Mistake, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Karen's Figure Eight, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Karen's Yo-yo, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Karen's Easter Parade, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Karen's Gift, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Karen's Cowboy, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
"BABY-SITTERS LITTLE SISTERS SUPER SPECIAL" SERIES
Karen's Wish, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1990.
Karen's Plane Trip, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1991.
Karen's Mystery, Scholastic (New York, NY), c. 1991.
Karen, Hannie, and Nancy: The Three Musketeers, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Baby, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1992.
Karen's Campout, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
"BABY-SITTERS CLUB PORTRAIT COLLECTION" SERIES
Dawn's Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Stacey's Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Claudia's Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Mary Anne's Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Kristy's Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Abby's Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
"BABY-SITTERS CLUB SUPER MYSTERIES" SERIES
Baby-Sitters' Haunted House, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Baby-Sitters Beware, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Baby-Sitters' Fright Night, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
OTHER "BABY-SITTERS CLUB" SPECIAL EDITIONS
Logan Bruno, Boy Baby-Sitter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Baby-Sitters Little Sister School Scrapbook, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Baby-Sitters Club Guide to Baby-Sitting, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1993.
Shannon's Story, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Secret Santa, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.
Baby-Sitters Little Sister Summer Fill-in Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Baby-Sitters Little Sister Jump Rope Rhymes, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.
Baby-Sitters Little Sister Playground Games, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Complete Guide to the Baby-Sitters Club, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
The BSC Notebook, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
BSC Chain Letter, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
The Baby-Sitters Club Trivia and Puzzle Fun Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
The Baby-Sitters Club Postcard Book, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Little Sister Photo Scrapbook, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Baby-Sitters Little Sister Secret Diary, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Baby-Sitters Little Sister Laugh Pack, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
"THE KIDS IN MS. COLMAN'S CLASS" SERIES; ILLUSTRATED BY CHARLES TANG
Teacher's Pet, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Author Day, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Class Play, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
The Second Grade Baby, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1996.
Snow War, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Twin Trouble, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Science Fair, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Summer Kids, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Halloween Parade, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Holiday Time, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Spelling Bee, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Baby Animal Zoo, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
"CALIFORNIA DIARIES" SERIES
Dawn, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Sunny, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Maggie, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Amalia, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Ducky, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1997.
Dawn Diary Two, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Sunny Diary Two, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Maggie Diary Two, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Amalia Diary Two, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Ducky Diary Two, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1998.
Dawn Diary Three, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Sunny Diary Three, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1999.
Maggie Diary Three, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Amalia Diary Three, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2000.
Ducky Diary Three, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2001.
"BABY-SITTERS CLUB" GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES
Kristy's Great Idea, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2006.
The Truth about Stacey, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2006.
Mary Anne Saves the Day, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2007.
Claude and Mean Janine, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2008.
"MAIN STREET" SERIES
Welcome to Camden Falls, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2007.
Needle and Thread, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2007.
'Tis the Season, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2007.
Best Friends, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2008.
The Secret Book Club, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2008.
September Surprises, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2008.
OTHER
Martin's books have been translated into several languages. The "Baby-Sitters Club" books have been translated into nineteen languages.
ADAPTATIONS:
The Baby-Sitters Club television series was produced by Scholastic Productions and broadcast on Home Box Office (HBO) and the Disney Channel; The Baby-Sitters Club Movie, coproduced by Scholastic Productions and Beacon Communications, was distributed by Columbia, 1995; a "Baby-Sitters Club" board game has been released by Milton-Bradley; several "Baby-Sitters Club" stories have appeared on video and audio cassette.
SIDELIGHTS:
When the curtain came down on the final act of the "Baby-Sitters Club" series in 2000, series author and co-originator Ann M. Martin was one of the best-known names in juvenile publishing. What started in 1986 as an idea for a four-book series to be published over the course of one year had ballooned fourteen years later into a minipublishing industry with several spin-off titles, a television series, a movie, games, and enough "Baby-Sitters Club" (BSC) merchandise to satisfy the needs of legions of faithful readers. With over 180 million books in print in nineteen languages, the "Baby-Sitters Club" had obviously, as Sally Lodge noted in Publishers Weekly, "struck a resounding chord with preteen girls all over the world."
Though Martin bid adieu to her BSC readers with the final volume in the series, Graduation Day, she did not say good-bye to publishing. Martin has continued to write for middle-school readers, producing a number of highly regarded novels, including the Newbery Honor Book A Corner of the Universe. In 2007 she introduced a new series, "Main Street," which follows the adventures of two orphaned sisters adjusting to life in small-town Massachusetts. "I thought I would never write a series again," Martin admitted to Chronogram interviewer Nina Shengold.
Martin's success with the BSC series was a true publishing phenomenon. Millions of teens and pre-teens grew up with the antics and adventures of Kristy, Mary Anne, Stacey, and Claudia, and then found new friends with whom to identify with the addition of Dawn, Jessi, Mallory, and Abby to the club. The spin-off titles include over 130 of the original "Baby-Sitters Club" editions as well as 120 more titles in the "Little Sisters" series, twenty-five books in the "Mystery" series, a baker's dozen in the "BSC Friends Forever" series, another fifteen in the "California Diaries" series, and dozens of titles in super editions, not to mention twelve books in the "Kids in Ms. Colman's Class" series—a spin-off of a spin-off.
Contrary to the way most multivolume children's book series are produced, Martin penned much of the main series herself, rising at 5:30 each morning to start her writing day and completing nearly two books each month. As the number of series grew, however, it was impossible for her to keep up with the flow of books, and other writers were brought on to help write some of the titles. But after fourteen years both Martin and her publisher, Scholastic, were ready to move on to new projects. Martin already began such a move in 1998 with nonseries titles aimed at older juvenile readers and written in collaboration with both Paula Danziger and Laura Godwin.
Born in 1955, Martin grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, in a tight-knit family of parents and one younger sister, Jane. "I grew up in a very imaginative family," Martin once noted. "My mother was a preschool teacher and my father, an artist. Both liked fantasy and children's literature, so my world was one of circuses, animals, Beatrix Potter, Winnie-the-Pooh, The Wizard of Oz, elves and gnomes and fairies. It was a lot of fun, and it stayed with me. I'm often off in some other world, and all my daydreaming goes into my books." Martin was an enterprising child, running a library at one point and charging her friends overdue fines. She also was a babysitter; her oddest "client" was a snake she had to tend one weekend. The author subsequently modeled many of the events and characters of her popular series from those of her youth, including best friend Beth Perkins who informs much of the character of Kristy, leader of the Baby-Sitters Club.
Reading and writing were among her favorite childhood activities. "I had always enjoyed writing, even as a child," Martin once commented. "Before I could write, I dictated stories to my mother. I took creative writing classes and that sort of thing as a kid, but I wanted desperately to be a teacher, so that was what I prepared for." At Smith College, Martin double-majored in psychology and early childhood education. Out of college, Martin taught elementary school for a year, working with students challenged by learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Soon, however, Martin realized that she wanted to work in children's books rather than in education. Martin cut her literary teeth first on the "other" side of the desk, working as an editorial assistant, then assistant editor, and finally editor and senior editor at publishers including Pocket Books, Scholastic, and Bantam, from 1978 to 1985.
Martin published her first book, Bummer Summer, in 1983. A popular story for young readers that focuses on a first overnight camp experience, this debut paved the way for further teen and pre-teen books such as Inside Out, Stage Fright, and Me and Katie (the Pest). "Some of my books are based on actual experiences," Martin once said, "others are based more on imagination, and memories of feelings. Me and Katie (the Pest) is loosely based on riding lessons I took in the third grade…. With You and without You is about the death of a parent. Inside Out was based on my work as a therapist for autistic children; it wasn't really something that happened in my childhood. Stage Fright is probably the most autobiographical of my books. I had terrible stage fright when I was a kid, … and that was the inspiration for that book."
Increasingly Martin was coming to see herself as a writer rather than an editor. In 1985, Jean Feiwel, editor-in-chief of the book group at Scholastic, came up with the idea of a miniseries about a babysitting cooperative, and she asked Martin to write four stories. When the inaugural title, Kristy's Great Idea quickly sold out its 30,000-copy first printing, Feiwel and Martin thought they might just be onto something. The subsequent books were popular enough that Feiwel suggested Martin write two more stories for the series. "Scholastic decided the books were doing exceptionally well when the sixth book of the series hit number one on the B. Dalton Juvenile Bestseller list, sometime in 1987," Martin once noted. "That was when we decided that we really had something. We stepped up the schedule to one book every other month and eventually one every month."
From the outset the series was a collaborative effort, and Martin and Feiwel determined early on that, while sometimes dealing with serious issues such as death, racism, divorce, and peer pressure, the series would not deal with other hot button issues such as child abuse, alcohol or drug abuse, or the death of a parent. Geared at readers aged eight through twelve, the "Baby-Sitters Club" series is intended as entertainment: light, breezy, and conversational. It has often been touted as the perfect introduction to books for reluctant readers. In all of the books, the characters remain the same age. "Two of them are permanently in the sixth grade, and the rest are permanently in the eighth grade," Martin once explained. "I can't let them grow up because the books come out too fast. I try not to allude to birthdays or summer vacations…. Otherwise the characters would soon be thirty-five." Martin was also careful to avoid slang and the use of time-fixers such as the names of current rock groups; the "Baby-Sitters Club" books take place in a time capsule, a sort of all-time and anytime.
Books in the series deal with the adventures of a group of girls who band together to operate a child-care business, and individual titles have explored a range of topics. Kristy and the Secret of Susan deals with an autistic savant, Claudia and the Sad Good-bye is about the death of a grandparent, Kristy and the Snobs relates the death of Kristy's pet, and Jessi's Secret Language finds Jessi baby-sitting for a deaf boy who communicates only in American Sign Language. Such books demonstrate Martin's own interests and proclivities. Her personal favorite among the books is Kristy's Big Day. Martin herself admitted in Time magazine that her books are "not great literature," but she has also noted that they "attract kids who are reluctant readers, if not children with definite learning problems such as dyslexia, and turn them into readers. And for kids who are already readers, I don't think there's anything wrong with picking up a series and reading it. I write the books as pure entertainment for myself as well as for the kids, but I am hoping that avid readers who are reading series are reading other things as well, and I also hope that reluctant readers who get hooked on reading through series reading, whether it's the ‘Baby-Sitters Club’ or another series, will then ‘graduate’ to other kinds of books."
Over the years, Martin and her editors added new series that would explore different age levels and that might update and enliven the series with a more modern approach. The last such addition was the "Baby-Sitters Club Friends Forever" series, ending with a title in a letters-and-journal-entries format in which the original four members of the club are left to carry on the traditions of their enterprise. The "California Diaries" series, inaugurated in 1997, features Dawn, one of the original baby-sitters, who moves to the West Coast to be with one of her divorced parents full-time. That series is, as the name implies, told in diary format. The eighth-grade girls in this series are involved in somewhat edgier and more sophisticated activities than those found in the original "Baby-Sitters Club" books.
All good things, however, come to an end, and the BSC finally called it a day with Graduation Day. Martin was prescient about such a demise. She once noted that "as demographics and tastes change, kids do, too, and maybe in a few years they will find that they want pure fantasy and escape, like the C.S. Lewis books. That might signal the end of the ‘Baby-Sitters Club’; I can't really think of the BSC characters traveling to an imaginary kingdom or another planet."
Martin continued publishing hardcover novels during the years she was churning out the BSC. One of her personal favorites of these is Ten Kids, No Pets, about the boisterous Rosso family. In a sequel to that book, Eleven Kids, One Summer, the Rossos spend the summer on New York's Fire Island. Each chapter puts the lens on the activities of one of the "amiable Rosso offspring," according to a Publishers Weekly reviewer, and these young characters range in age from six months to fifteen years. There is a movie being filmed on the island with a handsome star for the eldest Rosso, Abbie, to form a friendship with; there is a house that the sensitive Candy thinks is haunted; and there are plenty of seashells for enterprising Woody to paint and then sell. "Martin … knows well what pleases young readers," the same reviewer concluded, "and this novel is filled with characters, escapades and dialogue that will do just that."
Humor takes center stage in Martin's picture book, Leo the Magnificat, a story based on an actual cat who adopted an entire church congregation. The cat in question sauntered into the yard of a Louisville, Kentucky, church one Sunday and remained there for the next twelve years. Martin, in her book, shows how this cat worms its way into the hearts of the entire congregation and surrounding neighborhood, insinuating itself into events from potlucks to church services. When Leo the cat finally passes on, he is buried in the church garden. A reviewer for Publishers Weekly dubbed Leo the Magnificat a "charmer like its feline hero," and further noted that Martin is a "pro at age-appropriate writing." In Booklist, Stephanie Zvirin commented that "Martin's picture book reads just like what it is—a story drawn from life," and concluded that this "gently humorous, poignant (never sentimental)" tale "won't disappoint."
In 1998 Martin teamed up with a longtime friend and fellow children's book author, Paula Danziger, to write P.S. Longer Letter Later. In this book the two authors, who specialize in writing for young girls, blend their disparate writing styles to create an epistolary novel told from two points of view. When two seventh-grade girls, Elizabeth and Tara*Starr, are separated by a family move, they promise to maintain their friendship through letters. The two girls are a study in contrasts: Tara*Starr is the type to put purple streaks in her hair, to joke incessantly and to write scathingly funny columns for the school paper while staid Elizabeth is into cross-stitching and poetry, and would never think of piercing her ears, let alone her nose. Suddenly Tara*Starr's free-spirited parents become responsible, begin holding regular jobs, think about having another baby, and move to Ohio. Outrageous, flamboyant, creative Tara*Starr—whose letters are written by Danziger—cannot believe the overnight change and subsequently has a hard time adjusting to a new school and finding new friends. Meanwhile the more reserved, introspective, and affluent Elizabeth—her letters written by Martin—undergoes her own transformations. Her father loses his job, turns to alcohol, and then abandons the family as it is on the verge of downsizing to life in a small apartment. In letters that are at once humorous and painful, the two girls maintain their long-distance friendship. They survive tiffs and personal crises and even silence when one or the other fails to write for a time.
"If Danziger and Martin had been childhood pen pals," commented a reviewer for Publishers Weekly, "their correspondence might have read much like this strikingly insightful epistolary novel." The same writer further observed of P.S. Longer Letter Later that the "venerable authors here do a splendid job of creating a story based on … letters." Booklist contributor Hazel Rochman felt "the immediacy of the letters format will draw kids in, especially as the tension mounts in Eliza- beth's home and her friend replies with humor and heartfelt sympathy." Lynda Drill Comerford, writing in Publishers Weekly, commented that the book, "a celebration of friendship, ends on a happy note, with characters overcoming personal conflicts and forgiving each other's shortcomings." Comerford concluded, "For characters and authors alike, it represents the unique meshing of two creative, witty and very different personalities." Renee Steinberg, reviewing the novel in School Library Journal, observed that the "authenticity of the well-drawn characters gives life and vitality to the story" and concluded that readers "will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced story."
In concluding a review of P.S. Longer Letter Later, the Publishers Weekly writer wished for more: "Given Danziger and Martin's penchant for continuing story lines, readers can only hope that this will be an ongoing correspondence." In 2000 such a hope became a reality with the publication of Snail Mail No More, a continuation of Elizabeth and Tara*Starr's correspondence, this time by e-mail. Booklist critic Michael Cart dubbed the pair an "epistolary odd couple," and noted that in Snail Mail No More "it's business as usual." With her mother pregnant, Tara*Starr is not so sure she wants to be a sister. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's wayward father has shown up again with less-than-positive results. The girls now turn thirteen and make new friends, including boys. The green-eyed monster pops up between the two for a time, but even jealousy is vanquished by their strong friendship. "Seasoned pros Danziger and Martin couldn't write a dull book if they tried," noted Cart, "and this one … is a funny, thought-provoking page-turner that will delight readers and leave them ready for more messages." While School Library Journal reviewer Linda Bindner found that Snail Mail No More "lacks the energy and freshness" of P.S. Longer Letter Later, she also commented that "fans will find it to be an enjoyable sequel." A contributor for Publishers Weekly dubbed Snail Mail No More a "funny and poignant sequel" and concluded that the "two characters approach life differently enough that there will likely be a response or suggestion that resonates with every reader, and both heroines share one important trait: they are all heart."
Teaming up with Laura Godwin, Martin has also written The Doll People, the story of culture clash between members of a Victorian doll household who meet their new, plastic neighbors, the Funcrafts. The staid Victorian world of the doll people is turned upside down by the meeting. The Funcrafts are the birthday present of the younger sister of Kate Palmer, current owner of the Victorian dollhouse and its occupants. Tiffany, the Funcraft doll, is the same age as Annabelle, of the Victorian dollhouse, and the two opposites oddly enough hit it off as they join forces to hunt for the missing Auntie Sarah doll, a longtime resident of the Victorian dollhouse. Kathie Meizner, writing in School Library Journal, commented that a "lighthearted touch and a dash of drama make this a satisfying read," while a writer for Publishers Weekly concluded that doll lovers "may well approach their imaginative play with renewed enthusiasm and a sense of wonder after reading this fun-filled adventure."
In a sequel, The Meanest Doll in the World, Annabelle and Tiffany stow away in their owner's backpack and inadvertently wind up at the home of Kate's classmate, where they encounter the diabolical Princess Mimi doll. After Annabelle and Tiffany help the household dolls stand up to Mimi, she makes her way back to the Palmers' and threatens the sanctity of the Victorian doll world. The "truly evil nemesis will keep the pages turning," noted School Library Journal contributor Eva Mitnick, and Martha V. Parravano stated that the story's "broad humor and action balance with smaller, more personal dramas" in her Horn Book review.
Set in the rural South during the 1960s, Belle Teal centers on a spunky fifth-grade girl and her experiences in an integrated classroom. When the other white children taunt Darryl, their new African American schoolmate, Belle reacts with sensitivity, offering her friendship to the boy. Martin's "portrayal of integration in a small school is low key yet quite effective," noted Denise Wilms in Booklist. "The writing is graceful and easy, with Belle Teal's narration distinctly and convincingly evoked," Roger Sutton wrote in Horn Book, while a contributor in Publishers Weekly concluded that the youngster's "observations and realizations provide an eye-opening introduction to social and personal injustice."
Martin's award-winning A Corner of the Universe was inspired by the tragic story of her Uncle Stephen, her mother's younger brother. As the author told Lynda Brill Comerford in Publishers Weekly, "He was diagnosed with schizophrenia at a young age, and he killed himself when he was 23, before my parents met. I remember that what surprised me more than the existence of this uncle and the story behind him was the fact that he had been kept a secret." In the novel, twelve-year-old Hattie Owen meets her Uncle Adam, who suffers from a mental illness, for the first time after he returns to the family's boarding house. Adam's exuberant personality helps shy Hattie come out of her shell, until his problems prove more than she can handle. According to Kliatt reviewer Paula Rohrlick, Martin "offers a sympathetic portrait of the mentally ill in this sensitive, tender coming-of-age tale."
Eleven-year-old Flora Northrup and her younger sister, Ruby, are the featured characters in Martin's "Main Street" novels, set in the quiet New England town of Camden Falls. "Though the New England façades of Camden Falls' shops and row houses seem Norman Rockwell timeless," wrote Shengold, "Martin is careful to fill their interiors with lives that are not picture-perfect." After their parents are killed in a car accident, the Northrup girls come to live with their grandmother, Min, who owns a fabric store in town. As the sisters settle into their new environment, they meet a host of intriguing neighbors, including an elderly man caring for his wife, a rebellious teen, and a boy with Down syndrome. Reviewing the series opener, Welcome to Camden Falls, Booklist critic Ilene Cooper observed that "Martin's easy style, appealing characters, and obvious love of place will keep readers going." Writing in School Library Journal, Kathryn Kosiorek remarked that the "Main Street" books will "appeal to readers more interested in characters and values than true action and adventure."
In addition to writing, Martin is also very active in supporting various community activities. She is co-founder of the Lisa Novak Community Libraries, and founder of the Ann M. Martin Foundation, which benefits children, education and literacy programs, and homeless people and animals. Even without the "Baby-Sitters Club" on the back burner, it is clear that Martin will not be changing her early rising habits. "I love to feel that every week is full of a lot of different kinds of things," she told Lodge. "I've always worked better when I'm working on many things at one time."
BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:
BOOKS
Kjelle, Marylou Morano, Ann M. Martin, foreword by Kyle Zimmer, Chelsea House Publishers (Philadelphia, PA), 2005.
PERIODICALS
Booklist, September 1, 1996, Stephanie Zvirin, review of Leo the Magnificat, p. 143; June 1, 1998, Hazel Rochman, review of P.S. Longer Letter Later, p. 1765; March 15, 2000, Michael Cart, review of Snail Mail No More, p. 1376; August, 2000, Ilene Cooper, review of The Doll People, p. 2140; October 1, 2001, Denise Wilms, review of Belle Teal, p. 319; December 1, 2002, Ilene Cooper, review of A Corner of the Universe, p. 659; November 15, 2005, Hazel Rochman, review of Friends: Stories about New Friends, Old Friends, and Unexpectedly True Friends, p. 45; December 1, 2005, Jennifer Mattson, review of A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray, p. 49; August, 2007, Ilene Cooper, review of Welcome to Camden Falls and Needle and Thread, p. 76.
Horn Book, January-February, 2002, Roger Sutton, review of Belle Teal, p. 81; November-December, 2003, Martha V. Parravano, review of The Meanest Doll in the World, p. 751; November-December, 2004, Susan Dove Lempke, review of Here Today, p. 712.
Kliatt, November, 2002, Paula Rohrlick, review of A Corner of the Universe, p. 12; January, 2007, Jennifer Feigelman, review of The Truth about Stacey, p. 32.
People Weekly, August 21, 1989, Kristin McMurran, "Ann Martin Stirs up a Tiny Tempest in Preteen Land with Her Bestselling ‘Baby-Sitters Club,’" pp. 55-56.
Publishers Weekly, August 23, 1991, review of Eleven Kids, One Summer, p. 62; September 2, 1996, review of Leo the Magnificat, p. 131; September 1, 1997, Sally Lodge, "Another Busy Season for Ann M. Martin," pp. 31-32; February 16, 1998, review of P.S. Longer Letter Later, p. 212; March 9, 1998, Lynda Drill Comerford, "A True Test of Friendship," p. 26; June 7, 1999, review of P.S. Longer Letter Later, p. 53; January 10, 2000, review of Snail Mail No More, p. 68; July 3, 2000, review of The Doll People, p. 71; September 32, 2001, review of Belle Teal, p. 88; July 22, 2002, Lynda Brill Comerford, "PW talks with Ann M. Martin," p. 181; April 16, 2007, review of Welcome to Camden Falls, p. 51.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, MO), May 6, 2007, Sarah Bryan Miller, "‘Baby-Sitters Club’ Creator Moves to ‘Main Street,’" p. F11.
School Library Journal, May, 1998, Renee Steinberg, review of P.S. Longer Letter Later, p. 141; March, 2000, Linda Bindner, review of Snail Mail NoMore, p. 234; November, 2000, Kathie Meizner, review of The Doll People, p. 128; October, 2003, Eva Mitnick, review of The Meanest Doll in the World, p. 130; November, 2005, Laura Scott, review of A Dog's Life, p. 142; January, 2006, Nancy P. Reeder, review of Friends, p. 138; July, 2006, Ronnie Gordon, review of Kristy's Great Idea, p. 128; March, 2007, Sadie Mattox, review of The Truth about Stacey, p. 238; August, 2007, Kathryn Kosiorek, reviews of Welcome to Camden Falls and Needle and Thread, p. 120.
Time, June 11, 1990, "Wake-up Call," p. 75.
ONLINE
Chronogram, http://www.chronogram.com/ (June 26, 2008), Nina Shergold, "Paperback Writer: Ann M. Martin Lifts the Corners."
Scholastic Web site, http://www.scholastic.com/annmartin/ (August 15, 2008), "Ann M. Martin."
OTHER
Good Conversation! A Talk with Ann M. Martin (video), Tim Podell Productions, 2005.