Sophie May

Born Rebecca Sophia Clarke in 1833, she was an American author from Norridgewock, Maine, who wrote under the pen name Sophie May. She is best known for books for children, especially the Little Prudy series, which made her one of the most popular writers for young readers in her time.

Her stories were praised for their lively tone and for capturing the small dramas of childhood in a way that felt fresh and affectionate. Although she spent a brief period teaching in Indiana, she lived much of her life in Maine and built her literary career from there.

Sophie May died in 1906, but her books remained part of American children's reading for many years afterward. Her work offers a window into 19th-century family life while still showing the humor, curiosity, and mischief that make children recognizable across generations.