Quick Facts
Biography
Norma Klein (May 13, 1938 – April 25, 1989) was a US children's book author. She was born, grew up and lived in New York City for most of her life. She died, after a brief illness, in New York City on April 25, 1989 at the age of 50.
Klein was best known for her adult novel Sunshine, about a young woman with terminal cancer, which was based upon a true story, and taken from the young woman's tape-recorded diary. She was also well known for her children's novel Mom, the Wolfman and Me about a girl with an unmarried mother. Ms. Klein's work dealt openly with controversial subjects, including racism, homosexuality, adoption, and death.
She wrote many novels for children and young adults including Family Secrets, which has been challenged for inclusion in school libraries, and is ranked at #76 on the American Library Association’s list of most challenged books for 1990-1999.