Karen Hesse

Karen Hesse stormed onto the juvenile literature scene, her books immediately winning both popular and critical acclaim. Her most famous book, Out of the Dust, won nine different awards ranging from a Newbery to an ALA Notable Children's Book to a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year. But even before that, her books were no strangers to national awards. She'd won them for five other books before that.

Growing up, she said she dreamed of becoming an archaeologist, ambassador, actor, and writer. She was a theater major when she first entered college and eventually graduated with degrees in psychology and anthropology. She says she loves writing and especially for children, "I can't think of anyone I'd rather write for."

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--B. Redman