Lael Littke

Lael Littke, born in 1929, is an American writer primarily recognized for her contributions to young adult literature and has authored approximately 75 short stories. Her early life was spent in Mink Creek, Idaho, and she pursued higher education in education and English at Utah State University. Her career path led her to work as a secretary in Denver, Colorado, where she met her husband, George, through their shared affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The couple later relocated to New York City for further studies, with Littke attending the City College of New York and her husband studying at New York University. They eventually settled in California after her husband accepted a teaching position in political science at California State University, Los Angeles. Littke herself also contributed to academia, teaching at Pasadena City College and UCLA. Her husband passed away in 1991.

Littke's writing career began with publications in magazines such as the Relief Society Magazine, Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Seventeen. She subsequently transitioned to writing books, focusing on works for young adults and children, with over forty titles to her name. Beyond her creative writing, Littke has been actively involved in organizations and publications related to Mormon issues, including serving on the board of directors for the Miller Eccles Study Group and participating with Sunstone and Exponent II. She currently resides in Pasadena, California.

Lael Littke was born in 1929 and spent her formative years in Mink Creek, Idaho. She pursued her academic interests by studying education and English at Utah State University. Her professional journey included a period as a secretary in Denver, Colorado, where she met her future husband, George. Their shared membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints played a role in their meeting. The couple's life together involved further moves for educational pursuits, first to New York City, where Littke attended the City College of New York and her husband studied at New York University, and later to California.

Following her husband's appointment as a political science professor at California State University, Los Angeles, the family moved to California. Littke also engaged in teaching, holding positions at Pasadena City College and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her literary career commenced with early publications in various magazines, including the Relief Society Magazine, Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Seventeen. She then focused on writing books, particularly for young adult and child audiences, producing over forty titles in this genre. Her husband passed away in 1991.

Lael Littke has demonstrated a commitment to community engagement, particularly within circles discussing Mormon issues. She has served on the board of directors for the Miller Eccles Study Group, an organization focused on Latter-day Saint scholarship and dialogue. Additionally, she has been an active participant with Sunstone and Exponent II, which are noted publications that explore various facets of Mormon life and thought. Littke continues to reside in Pasadena, California.