Ann Martin ​

Ann Matthews Martin is an American writer best known for The Baby-Sitters Club series of children's books. She has written many other successful novels and series like the Main Street and Family Tree series. Martin is often credited for her ability to translate real-life issues into engaging stories for young readers.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for her series The Baby-Sitters Club, which has over 180 million books in print.
• Received a lifetime achievement award from the American Library Association in 2010.
• Many of her books were adapted into a TV show and a movie.
• Wrote several other series including the Main Street and Family Tree series.
• Her books have been translated into multiple languages and have been popular worldwide.

Background ​

Martin was born in 1955 in Princeton, New Jersey, where she grew up. She attended Smith College and graduated with a degree in Psychology in 1977. Martin moved to New York City and took a job as an editor for children's books. During this time, she also began to write. She wrote her first book, Bummer Summer, in 1983 and it was published a year later. She gained huge popularity with her series Baby-Sitters Club which was first published in 1986. The series was based on her experiences as a child and was hugely popular among young girls. It was later adapted into a TV series and a film. Today, Martin continues to write and release new books.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Martin's writing style is simple and engaging, making her books ideal for young readers. Her works often focus on friendships, family and realistic issues that appeal to children, such as dealing with a chronic illness and the realities of divorce. Her books have been praised for their plots and character developments which many young readers can identify with. She has been instrumental in shaping the genre of children's literature over the years.

Notable Works ​

• The Baby-Sitters Club series (1986-2000)
• The Baby-Sitters Little Sister series (1988-2000)
• Main Street series (2007-2011)
• A Corner of the Universe (2003)
• Belle Teal (2001)
• A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray (2005)