Katherine Paterson is an American children's book author who was born in 1932 in China. Her parents were Christian missionaries and were in the country of China when she was born. When she turned eight, the family moved to Richmond, Virginia. She moved back and forth from China to the United States a few times, and moved a total of thirteen times until finally the family settled in 1950. All of the moving caused her to feel quite lonely since the family never really stayed in one place very long. The loneliness prompted her to write quite a bit, which is an important reason behind why writing became her calling later in life. Chinese was originally Katherine's first language, so learning how to read and speak fluent English took some time and adjustment. Eventually, she received her Master's degree in religious education, and continued to write in her spare time.
Paterson's first novel was published in 1973 and was entitled The Sign of the Chrysanthemum. It was a Japanese fairy tale that drew influences from her experiences and studies while in Japan. Her most widely recognized novel, Bridge to Terabithia, was published in 1977. A film adaptation of the book was released in 2007 with great success. Paterson published several more novels, including The Great Gilly Hopkins, Jacob I Have Loved, and Lyddie, to name just a few. Her novels have won several awards including several Newberry Medals, the National Book Award, the Parent's Choice Award, and many other prestigious literary recognitions. Today, Katherine Paterson is the Vice President of the National Children's Book and Literary Alliance and continues to speak to people about literature and reading.
The themes in Katherine Paterson's novels often touch on some serious and sensitive topics. For example, The Great Gilly Hopkins deals with the difficulties of being abandoned by parents and living in a foster home. It also deals with the acceptance of differences between people, overcoming difficulty, and learning morals and maturity. Bridge To Terabithia is one of Paterson's most powerful novels, and also the most controversial. The book touches on childhood adolescence, the issue of class among parents (i.e. wealthy vs. non-wealthy households), and even death. Some of her other books deal with religious themed subjects, family differences, and many other things that kids go through while growing up.
For additional resources on Katherine Paterson, please refer to the following websites:
These works are often assigned for use in school coursework. Frequently these projects are printed at home. Be sure and stock up on ink and toner cartridges.
This was written by Clickinks.com, your home for printer inks and laser toner.