Marilyn Reynolds was born on May 17, 1935, in what is now Toronto, Canada. She has worked as a library assistant, a teacher, and a writer in addition to raising three children, now grown. Reynolds has written for both children and adults and has published essays and short stories in newspapers, journals, and literary magazines. Her books for young adults generally center around the struggle to meet challenges, with her characters often making difficult decisions to change the course of their lives.

Reynolds has published several books about teenage challenges, all published in a series called "True-To Life Series from Hamilton High." Beyond Dreams is the third book in this series and the only collection of short stories. Reynolds has received the most recognition for her young adult literature, and her frank treatment of controversial subject matter has brought her both praise and criticism. Too Soon...