Andre Norton

John Bankston's entry in Chelsea House's 'Who Wrote That?' series does something genuinely useful: it gives middle-grade readers the only dedicated biography of Andre Norton, the woman born Alice Mary Norton who spent 18 years as a children's librarian while writing historical novels, then pivoted to science fiction and produced more than 300 titles. The book explains why she took a male pen name to reach the boy-dominated adventure market and covers her landmark firsts — SFWA Grand Master, Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame inductee, namesake of the Andre Norton Award. The writing is accessible for grades 7–9. The caveat is format: at 112 pages, depth is limited, and the series template can feel a bit formulaic. Still, for its target audience it fills a real gap.