Jane Langton is an accomplished American author, well-known for her mystery and children's novels. She has penned two series, the Hall Family Chronicles and the Homer Kelly series, showcasing her versatility in writing for different age groups. Langton earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and holds two Master's degrees, one in art history from the University of Michigan and another from Radcliffe College. She also studied at the Boston Museum School for a year.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Langton developed an early interest in astronomy, studying it at Wellesley College and the University of Michigan. However, her academic journey led her to art history, and eventually, to writing. She wrote and illustrated her first children's book, "The Majesty of Grace," in 1961, which marked the beginning of her prolific writing career. Her works, which include children's series, stand-alone novels, and picture books, have received critical acclaim and a loyal readership.
Langton's novel "The Fledgling" is a Newbery Honor book, while "Emily Dickinson is Dead" was nominated for an Edgar Award and received a Nero Award. "The Face on the Wall" was an editors' choice selection by The Drood Review of Mystery for 1998. Despite her academic and professional achievements, Langton's personal life remains relatively private. She lives in Lincoln, Massachusetts, near the town of Concord, the setting of many of her novels. She has three adult sons, Chris, David, and Andy. Her husband, Bill, passed away in 1997.