Picture an American storyteller who weaves history and wonder into tales that captivate young and old alike—meet Ellen Klages! Born in 1954, this San Francisco-based author blends historical fiction with speculative twists, creating stories that feel both timeless and fresh. From her award-winning novel The Green Glass Sea to her quirky auction performances, Klages’s whimsical spirit shines through every endeavor.
With a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, Klages has carved a unique niche in young adult literature and science fiction. Her work, translated into multiple languages, resonates with readers who love smart, heartfelt narratives. Let’s dive into the life, stories, and impact of this literary gem!
The Making of Ellen Klages
Ellen Janeway Klages was born on July 9, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, where her love for books bloomed in the local library. A philosophy degree from the University of Michigan sharpened her curious mind, but it was her move to San Francisco that sparked her writing career. In 1992, she joined the Exploratorium, a science museum, where she co-authored children’s science books with sci-fi author Pat Murphy. Murphy’s encouragement led Klages to pen her first novelette, 'Time Gypsy,' in 1999, a finalist for both Nebula and Hugo Awards.
Klages’s eclectic background—think pinball mechanic, proofreader, and improv comedian—infuses her storytelling with wit and charm. Her training at Second City Conservatory and Clarion South Workshop honed her craft, setting the stage for a remarkable literary journey.
Ellen Klages’s Unforgettable Stories
Klages’s stories blend historical settings with speculative elements, often exploring themes of belonging and discovery. Her debut novel, The Green Glass Sea (2006), follows two girls in 1943 Los Alamos as their scientist parents work on the Manhattan Project. This poignant tale won the 2007 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction and captivated readers with its fresh perspective on a pivotal era.
Its sequel, White Sands, Red Menace (2008), dives into post-WWII America, tackling the atomic age’s moral complexities. Klages’s third novel, Out of Left Field (2018), shifts to 1950s feminism and baseball, showcasing her versatility. Her novella Passing Strange (2017), a historical fantasy set in 1940s San Francisco, won World and British Fantasy Awards, blending pulp fiction vibes with queer romance. Short story collections like Portable Childhoods (2007) and Wicked Wonders (2017) highlight her ability to craft magical, bite-sized tales.
Klages’s style is vivid yet accessible, with characters—often young, curious misfits—who leap off the page. Her meticulous research and playful tone make history feel alive, whether she’s writing about scientists or librarians in enchanted forests.
Why Ellen Klages Matters
Ellen Klages’s impact lies in her ability to make history and science accessible to young readers while tackling big questions about identity and ethics. Her stories inspire girls to embrace STEM and challenge societal norms, as seen in Out of Left Field’s feminist sports narrative. Her speculative works, like Passing Strange, celebrate marginalized voices, earning her a devoted following in sci-fi and fantasy circles.
Beyond her books, Klages’s lively auctioneering at WisCon, where she’s sold everything from her own hair to a kangaroo-scrotum purse, showcases her infectious energy. Her influence endures through awards, translations, and readers who see themselves in her misfit heroes.
- Born: July 9, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio
- Key Works: The Green Glass Sea, Passing Strange, Wicked Wonders
- Awards: Nebula, Scott O’Dell, World Fantasy
- Fun Fact: Collects vintage toys and magazines
About Ellen Klages
Ready to explore a world where history meets magic? Grab The Green Glass Sea or Passing Strange and dive into Ellen Klages’s enchanting tales!