Andre Norton was an American author known for her contributions to science fiction and fantasy literature. Born on February 17, 1912, she published her first novel in 1934 and went on to write over 30 novels and numerous short stories. Norton's works often featured strong, independent characters and explored themes of adventure and exploration. Norton was a pioneer for women in the genre, earning recognition as one of the first female authors in science fiction. She received several awards throughout her career, including the Nebula Award and the World Fantasy Award. Her influence continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers.