Barbara Kingsolver is an American novelist, essayist, and poet. She is best known for her works of fiction, which often draw on her experiences growing up in rural Kentucky. Kingsolver has published twelve novels, four collections of short stories, five works of non-fiction, and several poems. Her works have been translated into more than twenty languages and have earned her numerous awards, including the National Humanities Medal. Kingsolver is also an environmental activist and a vocal advocate for social justice. She has used her platform to speak out against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. Kingsolver's writing is characterized by its vivid imagery, complex characters, and thoughtful exploration of difficult topics.