Martha Freeman was born in Southern California in 1956. It is not actually true that dinosaurs were a constant threat at that time, but her three children believe this. After graduating from Stanford University, Martha worked as a newspaper reporter, copy editor, substitute teacher, college lecturer, advertising copywriter, and freelance magazine writer before she found her true calling as a writer of children's books. Her first book was Stink Bomb Mom, now, tragically, out of print. She has since published 16 more books for children. She is a very busy person.
In 1995, Martha's family moved from Sonora, California, to State College, Pennsylvania. Martha's book, The Year My Parents Ruined My Life, is loosely based on this move. In fact, Martha’s books are often inspired by her family. You can see how watching many, many, many Little League and Babe Ruth baseball games has influenced her writing if you read her popular mystery, Who Stole Uncle Sam?
Pets – especially cats – have always been important to Martha. That's why almost every single one of her books has a cat as a character, and her First Kids mysteries feature a first dog with too much energy, Hooligan. Unfortunately, Martha is for the time being living a pet-free life.
Martha still lives in State College where she enjoys jogging, shopping for t-shirts and pizza, listening to the whooping of wild football fans, and cooking for friends and family. In 2010, she earned certification as an emergency medical technician, and she now volunteers her time. If you have a heart attack in State College, watch out.