Margaret Hillert has written over 80 books for children who are just learning to read. Her books have been translated into many languages and have helped children throughout the world learn to read. She first started writing poetry as a child and has continued to write for children and adults throughout her life. As a first grade teacher, Margaret realized that the books available for students just learning to read were beyond their comprehension. She then began to write her easy readers and poetry for children. Her first collection of poetry Father Than Far was published in 1969. Her many awards include the Chicago Children's Reading Round Table Annual Award for outstanding contributions to the field of children's literature. Other honors include the David W. Longe Prize and the Michigan Bookwoman of the Year Award. A teacher for 34 years, she is now retired and lives in Michigan where she continues to write stories and poetry.

Louis Fischer (J.D. and Ph.D., Stanford University) is Professor Emeritus and former dean of the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. David Schimmel (J.D., Yale University) is Professor of Education in the Department of Educational Policy, Research, and Administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Visiting Professor at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. Leslie R. Stellman (J.D., Syracuse University) is chairman of the Education Law Practice-Group of the Towson, Maryland, firm of Hodes, Ulman, Pessin & Katz, P.A., as well as an Adjunct Professor of Education Law at Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University Graduate School of Education, and the University of Baltimore School of Law.