Ellen Conford
Personal Information
Description
Ellen Conford was born in New York City, New York. She was a shy child, and gained a love of books while in elementary school, when she read up to eight books a week. She has loved writing since she was in the third grad. Encouraged by her teachers, she decided while still in grade school to become a professional author. In high school, she worked on the student newspaper and edited the school's humor magazine. In 1959 she attended Hofstra College (now Hofstra University), planning work as a proofreader and salesperson to support herself through college. On the first day of class she met fellow student David Conford, whom she married, and she subsequently dropped out of school. In 1961 she had a son, and during his childhood she found a lack of quality children's books for him, which inspired her to begin writing books for children. Her first book, Impossible, Possum, was published in 1971. Since then, she has produced over 45 books for children. Her books have won the Best Book of the Year Citation, Best Book of the International Interest Citation, Best Book of the Year for Children, Parents' Choice Award, and more.
Books
The Luck of Pokey Bloom
A young girl learns that winning and getting along with people is often more than a matter of luck.
Annabel the Actress Starring in Hound of the Barkervilles
When Annabel, who wants to be a famous actress someday, has a part in a real play, she finds she must cope with a big dog and an unruly audience member.
A royal pain
Abby Adams of Kansas was born in a tiny European country, where she and another baby got accidentally switched. Now that the mix-up has been discovered, she's on her way back to Saxony Coburn to begin life as the real Princess Florinda XIV. Being a princess is weird but fun--until Abby finds out she must marry the creepy Prince Casimir on her upcoming sixteenth birthday. Or else! The Princess Abby Adams Florinda XIV is going to have to take drastic measures--and maybe even become a commoner again!
Annabel the Actress Starring in Gorilla My Dreams
Though a little disppointed that her first acting part is to be a gorilla at a birthday party, Annabel determines to really get into the role.
Norman Newman and the werewolf of Walnut Street
Norman is temporarily distracted from his suspicions about his sister, the "Evil Elaine," when his imagination runs wild with worries about a werewolf in the neighborhood.
Annabel the Actress Starring in Just a Little Extra
When she learns that a famous director is making a movie in her home town, ten-year-old Annabel is determined to get a part in it.
Dear Mom, get me out of here!
Trapped in a dreadful boarding school, Paul joins his classmates in attempting to uncover the shocking past of their headmaster Mr. Pickles.
And This is Laura
Laura comes from a talented family: her mother's a famous writer, her father a brilliant scientist, her older sister is an actress, and her big brother a musician. In fact, the only person in Laura's family who isn't special is Laura. But when Laura starts junior high, she learns that she has a gift for seeing into the future. Is her talent real? What will she do with it? And would people still like her even if she was ordinary?
Crush
"Caleb Rush, a. k. a. Crush, is the toughest, coolest bodyguard/bouncer in Los Angeles, a man who lives strictly by his own moral code, which doesn't exactly hew to the standards of US law. When Amelia Trask, the wild daughter of a scruples-free billionaire tycoon, comes to Crush for help, his quiet life roars into overdrive, and he has to use his wits, brawn, martial-arts training, and knowledge of the Russian mafia to stay alive and clean up the mess that young Amelia has created. Crush is a rollicking, page-turning ride through LA, full of action, suspense, memorable characters, and a sly wit."--Provided by publisher.
The things I did for love
Self-conscious about her height and despairing of ever finding a romantic companion, Stephanie begins a school project to analyze love and makes some surprising discoveries.
Impossible, possum
If his sister had not played a mean trick on him, a young possum might never have learned to hang by his tail.
Alfred G. Graebner Memorial High School Handbook of Rules and Regulations
As Julie muddles through her sophomore year of high school, her experiences often are contrary to those mentioned in the student handbook.
Dear Lovey Hart, I Am Desperate
When the school newspaper falls into a slump, Carrie has the bright idea of authoring an advice column using the name "Lovey Hart." Soon Lovey Hart's advice is talk of the school, with everyone speculating on her true identity. But when public opinion sours against her wise-cracking alter ego, Carrie finds she can't even give good advice for her own predicament. How can Lovey Hart come clean when the whole school is howling for her head?