Andre Norton actually was born Andre Alice Norton. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1912 and passed on in March of 2005. Norton published her first novel in 1934 and was a prolific writer throughout her adult life. Her genre of choice when it came to her writing was science fiction. She actually spent her career using three different male names as her noms de plume. She believed (and probably rightly so) that a female science fiction writer likely would not be as well received by the public.

Throughout her career, Morton won many significant awards for her work, including many of the major awards given to writers of science fiction. Later in her life, Norton became known as the Grande Dame of Science Fiction, a title that she carried with her until her death.

When it came to her writing, animals featured prominently in her work. Oftentimes, the human characters in her books formed special bonds with animals -- including interesting creatures from outer space and from other worlds.

In a number of her books, her main characters actually were members of tribal communities in days gone by -- including Native Americans. Her books have been described as lively, vibrant and intense. Most critics do agree that she has left a significant mark on the science fiction genre because of her efforts throughout her professional career.