Katherine Paterson

Katherine Paterson is an American author of children’s and young adult books, including Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved. Her fiction often explores grief, belonging, and family relationships.

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Bridge to Terabithia: A 1977 novel by Katherine Paterson about two children who create an imaginary kingdom and face a sudden loss. This novel became Paterson’s most widely recognized work and centers grief within a childhood friendship.
Qing Jiang: A city in Jiangsu province, China, now part of Huai'an. Paterson was born in Qing Jiang in 1932 to American missionary parents.
John Paterson: An American Presbyterian minister and missionary who lived and worked in China and Japan. He was Katherine Paterson’s father, and his missionary work shaped her early life.
Hans Christian Andersen Award: An international biennial award recognizing an author or illustrator whose body of work has lasting contributions to children’s literature. Paterson received the author award in 1998 for her lasting contribution to children’s books.
Jacob Have I Loved: A 1980 novel by Katherine Paterson about a girl growing up in the shadow of her twin sister. Its account of sibling rivalry earned Paterson the 1981 Newbery Medal.
Missionary children: Children raised in families engaged in religious missions, often across cultural and national boundaries. Paterson’s childhood in China shaped her experience of cultural displacement and belonging.
Richard A. Allington: An American scholar of literacy and reading instruction. He was Paterson’s husband and a prominent educator whose work connected their family life to children’s literacy.
National Book Award for Young People's Literature: An annual American literary award for outstanding books written for young people. Paterson won the 1977 award for The Master Puppeteer.
The Great Gilly Hopkins: A 1978 novel by Katherine Paterson about a sharp, guarded foster child seeking a permanent home. Gilly’s resistance to care extends Paterson’s interest in belonging beyond biological family.
King College: A private liberal arts college in Bristol, Tennessee, founded in 1867. Paterson earned her undergraduate degree there before beginning a career in education and writing.