Kate Dickinson Sweetser (1870-1939) was an American author known in her time for writing juvenile fiction and compilations. She was born in New York City to Charles H. and Mary N. Sweetser. Her great-grandfather, Samuel Dickinson, was one of the founders of Amherst College in Massachusetts; she was also the cousin of poet Emily Dickinson. "William Makepeace Thackeray-the name is dear to all lovers of classic fiction, who have wandered in enchanted lands, following the fortunes of Colonel Newcome, Becky Sharp, Henry Esmond, and a host of other familiar characters created by the great novelist."