Born on August 11th in New York City, Steven Kroll began writing at the age of 13. He attended Harvard University, where he studied American history and literature. He was pretty sure he wanted to be an editor, but one of his professors felt Mr. Kroll should be a writer—and he was persistent about it. Mr. Kroll did work as an editor for adult trade books for a few years, but by 1975 he had published in the children's market.

Now he has written more than 80 books for children, including many which tell the stories of American history: By the Dawn's Early Light, Ellis Island: Doorway to Freedom, and Pony Express among them.

—Steve Mudd