Origins & Early Life

Katherine Paterson (née Womeldorf; born October 31, 1932) is an American writer best known for children's novels, including Bridge to Terabithia (1977), which won the Newbery Medal in 1978. For four different books published 1975–1980, she won two Newbery Medals and two National Book Awards. She is one of four people to win the two major international awards; for "lasting contribution to children's literature" she won the biennial Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing in 1998 and for her career contribution to "children's and young adult literature in the broadest sense" she won the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award from the Swedish Arts Council in 2006, the biggest monetary prize in children's literature. Also for her body of work she was awarded the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature in 2007 and the Children's Literature Legacy Award from the American Library Association in 2013.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She was the second US National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, serving 2010 and 2011. Katherine Womeldorf was born in Huai'an, Republic of China (now China) to Presbyterian missionaries G. (George) Raymond and Mary Womeldorf. Her father supported her family by preaching...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alvin Plantinga — Contemporary (Born in 1932) (1932): Leading American philosopher and theologian known for Reformed epistemology.
• Andrei Tarkovsky — Contemporary (Born in 1932) (1932): Master of metaphysical cinema, known for slow pacing and spiritual depth.
• Anouk Aimée — Contemporary (Born in 1932) (1932): Iconic French actress known for her captivating roles from the 1940s to 2010s.
• Alexander Borodin — Shared historical date (10-31 · Born) (1833): Russian Romantic composer, chemist, and physician known for 'Prince Igor' and symphonies.
• Chiang Kai-shek — Shared historical date (10-31 · Born) (1887): Revolutionary leader of the Republic of China, governing from 1925 to 1975.
• Arif Mardin — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Pioneering Turkish-American music producer, arranger, and studio veteran.
• Bob Johnston — Historical peer (Born in 1932) (1932): Pioneering American record producer celebrated for shaping the careers of Dylan, Cash, and Cohen.
• A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada — Historical peer (Died in 1977) (1977): Pioneering global spread of Krishna consciousness teachings and the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Alfred Lunt — Historical peer (Died in 1977) (1977): Esteemed American actor, celebrated for his stage partnership with Lynn Fontanne.
• Ayumi Hamasaki — Historical peer (Born in 1978) (1978): Japanese Pop Icon, 'Empress of Pop,' best-selling solo artist in Japan.
• 1932 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1932
• October 31 (10-31) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 31