Sterne, Emma Gelders, 1894-1971

American Emma Gelders Sterne (1894-1971) was an editor and writer of books for children and young people, as well as a suffragist and a social reformer. She published more than 25 books from 1928 to 1971; edited the American Heritage series published by Aladdin; and co-authored with her daughter Barbara Lindsay the Kathy Martin story series for Golden Press under the pseudonym Josephine James.

Emma Gelders Sterne (May 13, 1894-August 29, 1971), born in Birmingham, Alabama, was primarily a writer of juvenile literature, though she was involved in a number if different activities. For example, at an early age Sterne became involved in the American Suffrage Movement, and in cooperation with a newly established juvenile court, she started a school for delinquent children in 1917.

Sterne began her writing career by serving on the editorial staff literacy magazines in high school and while attending Smith College. She attended Columbia University Graduate School taking courses in English and philosophy. She sold her first story in 1923 while living in Pelham, New York. She continued to write children's books, gardened extensively, and pursued her interest in civil reform. After serving as editor of the Aladdin Books of American heritage Series, Sterne moved to California where she continued to write, often in collaboration with her daughter, Barbara Lindsay. The Kathy Martin series was written under the pseudonym "Josephine James."