Ellen Conford

Ellen Conford, born Ellen Shaffer in 1942, was an American writer whose career spanned children's and young adult literature. An avid reader from a young age, she developed a passion for books, particularly the Nancy Drew series and teen romances. After attending Hofstra College, she began her writing career by contributing short stories to teen magazines. Her transition to full-length novels was inspired by a desire to find suitable reading material for her own son.

Conford's debut book, "Impossible Possum," was published in 1971 and tells the story of a possum who struggles to fit in. She went on to author over 40 books, achieving significant recognition. Several of her works, including "The Alfred G. Graebner Memorial High School Handbook of Rules and Regulations" and "Lenny Kandell, Smart Aleck," received critical acclaim and awards, such as ALA Notable Young Adult Book and SLJ Best Book distinctions. Some of her stories were also adapted for television.

Ellen Conford passed away on March 20, 2015, her 73rd birthday. Her literary contributions include popular series like "Annabel the Actress" and "Jenny Archer," as well as numerous standalone novels and picture books, solidifying her place as a prolific author in children's literature.