Marilyn Kaye, born in 1949, is an American author who has penned over 100 books for children and young adults. She holds advanced degrees in library science and a PhD in English, with her doctoral research focusing on didacticism, romance, and sexuality in young adult literature. Kaye also dedicated over two decades to teaching children's literature at St. John's University in New York. She began her publishing career in 1984 under the pseudonym Shannon Blair.

Her most recognized works include the science fiction series "Replica," which follows a teenage clone named Amy Candler as she navigates her identity and fights against a shadowy organization seeking to exploit her and others with genetic modifications. The "Replica" series has achieved international success and was translated into several languages. Another notable series is "Gifted," which centers on a group of middle school students with supernatural abilities who learn to control their powers while facing external threats.

Marilyn Kaye's "Replica" series is a popular children's science fiction saga that delves into themes of identity, genetic modification, and conspiracy. The narrative centers on Amy Candler, a teenage clone created as part of a government project designed to develop superhuman abilities. After being adopted by a scientist who developed a conscience, Amy attempts to lead a normal life while evading an organization known as The Organisation, which aims to harness her and other clones for nefarious purposes, including the creation of a master race. The series explores Amy's journey of self-discovery as she encounters other genetically modified individuals and confronts the ethical implications of advanced scientific endeavors. "Replica" achieved significant international sales, with books translated into Finnish, Polish, and German, and comprises twenty-four original novels, plus a related trilogy.

The "Gifted" series by Marilyn Kaye focuses on a group of middle school students at Meadowbrook Middle School, each possessing a unique supernatural ability, referred to as a "Gift." These students attend a specialized class to hone their powers under the guidance of their teacher, Madame. The series explores the challenges these students face as they learn to collaborate and control their abilities, particularly when they become targets of a group seeking to exploit their powers for financial gain. Despite their unique gifts, the students often struggle with interpersonal dynamics and a reluctance to work together. Published between 2009 and 2010, the "Gifted" series consists of six books, with each installment highlighting a different student's journey. The series was later adapted into a television series.