Katherine Womeldorf Paterson (b.1932) is an American author of children’s and young adult literature, celebrated for her emotionally resonant and thought-provoking stories. Her works often explore complex themes such as grief, identity, and family with profound empathy and authenticity.
Born in Huai’an, Jiangsu Province, China, Paterson was the daughter of Presbyterian missionaries. Her family returned to the United States during World War II, settling in Virginia. She earned a bachelor’s degree from King College and later studied at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education.
Her literary career took off with her second novel, The Master Puppeteer (1975,) which won the National Book Award. Her most iconic work, Bridge to Terabithia (1977,) a poignant tale of friendship and loss, won the Newbery Medal and remains a cornerstone of children’s literature. Another Newbery Medal-winning novel, Jacob Have I Loved (1980,) explores sibling rivalry and self-discovery with striking emotional depth.
Her other notable works include The Great Gilly Hopkins (1978,) which earned a National Book Award for its honest portrayal of a foster child’s struggles, and Lyddie (1991,) a historical novel about a young girl’s resilience during the Industrial Revolution. Paterson has also written picture books, essays, and memoirs, including Stories of My Life (2014,) a reflection on her remarkable journey.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Katherine Paterson
To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another.
—Katherine Paterson
Topics: Fear
To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you around the tail and swing you around is another.
—Katherine Paterson
Topics: Win, Fear
The wonderful thing about books is that they allow us to enter imaginatively into someone else’s life. And when we do that, we learn to sympathize with other people. But the real surprise is that we also learn truths about ourselves, about our own lives that somehow we hadn’t been able to see before.
—Katherine Paterson
Topics: Imagination, Living
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