Ellen Wittlinger


Author and LGBTQ+ Advocate

Full Name and Common Aliases


Ellen Wittlinger is the full name of this celebrated American author known for her contributions to young adult literature.

Birth and Death Dates


Born on June 27, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, we do not have information regarding her passing.

Nationality and Profession(s)


American, Author

Ellen Wittlinger's profession as an author is well-documented in the literary world. Her dedication to writing has allowed readers from diverse backgrounds to engage with meaningful stories.

Early Life and Background


Growing up in a family that valued literature, Ellen Wittlinger developed a strong appreciation for reading at an early age. This foundation laid the groundwork for her future career as an author. As she navigated adolescence, she began experimenting with writing short stories and poetry. Her passion for storytelling only grew stronger.

Major Accomplishments


Ellen Wittlinger has received numerous accolades for her work in LGBTQ+ literature. Notably, Parrotfish won the American Library Association's Alex Award in 2001, while Raz Riley was named a School Library Journal Best Book of 1999. These achievements showcase her commitment to creating stories that promote understanding and acceptance.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Ellen Wittlinger's most notable works include:

Parrotfish: A novel addressing the struggles faced by a gay teenager, offering insights into the challenges of adolescence.
Raz Riley: A story about a young boy struggling to find his place within his family and community.

These stories have left lasting impressions on readers, sparking important discussions and fostering empathy.

Impact and Legacy


Ellen Wittlinger's work has not only captivated readers but also raised awareness about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in literature. Her dedication to crafting authentic narratives has paved the way for future authors tackling similar themes.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Ellen Wittlinger is widely quoted and remembered due to her tireless efforts to promote diversity and understanding through her writing. By sharing stories that resonate with readers from all walks of life, she has created a lasting impact on the literary world.

Her commitment to creating meaningful content continues to inspire authors and readers alike, solidifying her position as a celebrated figure in contemporary literature.

Quotes by Ellen Wittlinger

Ellen Wittlinger's insights on:

I guess I’d just been thinking about it for so long that I forgot changing your gender was not even a question for most people. They just took for granted being a boy or a girl. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be so sure of yourself.
"
I guess I’d just been thinking about it for so long that I forgot changing your gender was not even a question for most people. They just took for granted being a boy or a girl. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be so sure of yourself.
Did the women feel like I was deserting them by deciding to live as the other gender? Maybe for Dad and Charlie, it didn’t seem strange to want to be male, since that’s what they were. But Mom and Laura – and, of course, Eve – acted like I was betraying them somehow. Would I have to give them up if I wasn’t a girl anymore? I hoped not. I hoped that changing my gender wouldn’t mean losing my entire past.
"
Did the women feel like I was deserting them by deciding to live as the other gender? Maybe for Dad and Charlie, it didn’t seem strange to want to be male, since that’s what they were. But Mom and Laura – and, of course, Eve – acted like I was betraying them somehow. Would I have to give them up if I wasn’t a girl anymore? I hoped not. I hoped that changing my gender wouldn’t mean losing my entire past.
But I knew the first question Mom asked Gail was, Is it a boy or a girl? Because, for some reason, that is the first thing everybody wants to know the minute you’re born. Should we label it with pink or blue? Wouldn’t want anyone to mistake the gender of an infant! What is that so important?
"
But I knew the first question Mom asked Gail was, Is it a boy or a girl? Because, for some reason, that is the first thing everybody wants to know the minute you’re born. Should we label it with pink or blue? Wouldn’t want anyone to mistake the gender of an infant! What is that so important?
That’s the great thing about movies, Hitch. The end is the end; everything is resolved one way or the other. You feel joyful or peaceful or relieved, or sometimes disturbed or depressed. But if it’s a good ending, it satisfies you, even if it’s sad. The war is over, the guy gets the girl, whatever. Real life is a whole lot messier. It doesn’t end when things are at a good stopping point.
"
That’s the great thing about movies, Hitch. The end is the end; everything is resolved one way or the other. You feel joyful or peaceful or relieved, or sometimes disturbed or depressed. But if it’s a good ending, it satisfies you, even if it’s sad. The war is over, the guy gets the girl, whatever. Real life is a whole lot messier. It doesn’t end when things are at a good stopping point.
When I decided I was a boy, I realized that if I wanted to pass, I’d have to learn to walk differently, talk differently, dress differently, basically act differently than I did as a girl. But why did we need to act at all?
"
When I decided I was a boy, I realized that if I wanted to pass, I’d have to learn to walk differently, talk differently, dress differently, basically act differently than I did as a girl. But why did we need to act at all?
Why does my name sound so pretty when he says it?” -Maisie.
"
Why does my name sound so pretty when he says it?” -Maisie.
When people say they love you, you just have to decide to believe them, because you’ll never know for sure.
"
When people say they love you, you just have to decide to believe them, because you’ll never know for sure.
Why is it that people don’t know what to say when something bad has happened to someone they know? Maybe because they think there are some magic words that will make everything all right again, only they don’t know what the words are.
"
Why is it that people don’t know what to say when something bad has happened to someone they know? Maybe because they think there are some magic words that will make everything all right again, only they don’t know what the words are.
I trust the red sun setting, the leafless November trees. On Monday morning I look foward fearlessly to Friday’s eve. But humans are not as reliable as nature, as trees. I wonder if you’ll come back; I trust only that you leave.
"
I trust the red sun setting, the leafless November trees. On Monday morning I look foward fearlessly to Friday’s eve. But humans are not as reliable as nature, as trees. I wonder if you’ll come back; I trust only that you leave.
It’s a lie, you know, to pretend that nothing is important to you. It’s hiding. Believe me, I know because I hid for a long time. But now I won’t do it anymore. The truth is bioluminescent. I don’t lie, and I don’t waste time on people who do.
"
It’s a lie, you know, to pretend that nothing is important to you. It’s hiding. Believe me, I know because I hid for a long time. But now I won’t do it anymore. The truth is bioluminescent. I don’t lie, and I don’t waste time on people who do.
Showing 1 to 10 of 19 results