Lisa Klein

Lisa Klein is an accomplished American author, known for her work in Young Adult (YA) historical fiction novels. Born in Peoria, Illinois, Klein grew up with a biologist mother and a newspaperman father. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Marquette University, majoring in Theology and English. However, unable to become a priest, she decided to further her education at Indiana University, where she earned a Ph.D. in literature. Klein's thesis on English Renaissance poetry was later published as a book and can be found in the libraries of numerous universities across the United States.

Before turning to writing, Klein taught Shakespeare and researched women’s needleworks, Queen Elizabeth, and poetry at Ohio University for eight years. She was so dedicated to her research that she received an NEH grant for her work. However, she left the university after being denied tenure due to a broken leg. It was then that she discovered her passion for storytelling and decided to pursue a career in writing. Klein's debut novel, "Ophelia," was published in 2006 and became a huge success among fans and critics alike. She has since published several titles set in Roanoke Colony, as well as other Shakespearean and YA novels. Klein currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two sons.