Judi Lifton
JudiLifton.com
2026
I have written four books, all of which have the common thread of adventure. The first two, "Letters to the Chief: A Minnesota Childhood" and "A Glimpse of the Other Americas: A Backpacker’s Memoir," are nonfiction. The second two, "Judi’s Folktales: Magical Stories and Fables, Volume I" and "Judi’s Folktales: Volume II" are fiction. I won multiple awards on the first and third books. Three of the books are focused on the Midwest.
I was born and raised in Minnesota and relocated to Cleveland in l978. I am pleased to be an Ohioan and have remained in the area ever since. I was the proud owner of Pentagon Gallery, “The Gallery of Cleveland Artists,” for 25 years. In 2022 I relocated to North Kingsville (55 miles east of Cleveland) where I have semi-retired but work part time in the Ashtabula with neurologically challenged students. I continue to write, play pickleball, and take my dog Houdini for long walks.
Judi's Folktales: Volume II
"Judi’s Folktales: Volume II" is a magic carpet, an opportunity for all ages to be transported to other places and times. You can experience fables that are warm and whimsical, yet have a moral, become immersed in friendships that embrace diversity and loyalty, or take a journey back in time. The imaginative tales include the travels of a young Swedish immigrant and also one of an Indigenous American. So settle back and enjoy the ride!
Judi's Folktales: Magical Stories and Fables, Volume I
Judi Lifton has written a collection of short stories sure to captivate and nourish the imaginations of young readers. Friendship, family, and animals abound in circumstances whimsical and challenging with happy endings and thoughtful lessons. Locations vary for these stories, yet all share a similar viewpoint of child-like wonder of the natural, and in some cases imaginary, world as well as determination in the face of obstacles. "Judi’s Folktales" seems meant to be read while sitting in a tree, reading by flashlight in a tent, or preparing for bedtime on a snowy winter’s night. — Janice Phelps Williams, author of "Emmeline Grant and the Monstrous Beesh"
Letters to the Chief: A Minnesota Childhood
In her memoir "Letters to the Chief," author Judi Lifton brilliantly recaptures her childhood mindset. Her recollections are documented as a set of letters to a family friend, Chief White Feather of the Sioux and Chippewa Nations. (The reader may find this confusing at first because although Chief White Feather did exist, the letters did not; they are merely the literary device the author has used to format her memoirs.) She recounts her adventures and reflections while growing up in a small Swedish immigrant community in Minnesota in the 1950s. She is quite a feisty little redhead and gets herself into hilariously funny situations. The constant banter between little Judi and her three siblings irks their parents and leaves the reader chuckling. a review in the Swedish Press