Alida Malkus

Born in New York in 1888 and raised in Michigan, Alida Sims Malkus became a prolific American writer of children's books, especially nonfiction and historical fiction. She wrote about the past with a strong sense of place, and her work often reflects her interest in archaeology, science, and the cultures of the Americas.

Malkus traveled widely in the United States, Mexico, and South America, and those experiences shaped many of her books. One of her best-known works, The Dark Star of Itza, received a Newbery Honor, and she became known for stories that mixed careful research with a sense of wonder and adventure.

Along with writing novels, she also produced books about major historical and scientific figures, helping young readers discover both people and places beyond their everyday world. Her work stands out for making learning feel like a journey.