Katherine Paterson is an American author of children's and young adult literature. She is best known for her Newbery Medal-winning books Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob Have I Loved. Paterson has written over 30 books, including picture books, novels, and non-fiction. Her works often explore themes of loss, faith, and family. Paterson was born in 1932 in China, where her parents were missionaries. She grew up in Japan and the United States, and attended college in the United States. After college, she worked as a librarian and teacher before becoming a full-time writer. Paterson has won numerous awards for her writing, including two Newbery Medals, two National Book Awards, and the Hans Christian Andersen Award. She has also been named a Library of Congress Living Legend and a National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Paterson's books have been translated into more than 20 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. Her stories have been adapted into films, plays, and musicals, and her work continues to inspire readers of all ages.