Katherine Applegate

Katherine Applegate, born October 9, 1956, is an American writer known for her extensive work in young adult and children's fiction. She is the creator of popular book series such as Animorphs, Remnants, and Everworld. Applegate gained significant recognition when she won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 2013 for her 2012 novel, The One and Only Ivan. Her writing often explores themes within science fiction, fantasy, and adventure genres.

Applegate's career began as a ghostwriter, notably for the Sweet Valley Twins series. She has lived in various locations across the United States and for a period in Italy. She is married to author Michael Grant, with whom she has collaborated on several projects. Applegate is a mother to two children, including a transgender daughter. Following a hiatus after the completion of the Remnants series, she returned to writing, producing picture books, middle-grade novels, and early chapter books. Her works have garnered numerous awards, including the Publishers Weekly Best New Children's Book Series Award and the SCBWI Golden Kite Award.

Katherine Applegate has established herself as a prolific author in the realms of young adult and children's literature. She is widely recognized for her imaginative and engaging book series, including the science fiction phenomenon Animorphs, the post-apocalyptic Remnants saga, and the fantasy world of Everworld. Her contributions to children's literature were honored with the distinguished Newbery Medal in 2013 for her poignant novel, The One and Only Ivan. This award celebrates "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children." Applegate's popular works frequently delve into genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and adventure, captivating young readers with compelling narratives and imaginative concepts. Her early career also included ghostwriting, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to the craft of writing for young audiences.

Among Katherine Applegate's most celebrated works is The One and Only Ivan, a Newbery Medal winner that offers a unique perspective from a silverback gorilla living in captivity. The novel, inspired by a real gorilla, challenges readers to consider their relationship with animals and their own humanity. Her Animorphs series, co-authored with her husband Michael Grant, explores themes of alien invasion, warfare, and the moral complexities faced by adolescents tasked with saving the planet. The Remnants series presents a survival narrative following a group of teenagers stranded on an alien planet. Applegate has also penned numerous other series and standalone novels, showcasing a broad range of storytelling abilities across different age groups and genres, from early chapter books like Roscoe Riley Rules to picture books such as Buffalo Storm.

“Applegate gives readers a unique and unforgettable gorilla's-eye-view of the world that challenges the way we look at animals and at ourselves.”