American author Katherine Paterson is widely known beyond the United States. Her literary prowess has been recognized with numerous international and national awards for children's literature, including the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the A. Lindgren Award, and two Newbery Medals. The author finds the courage to speak about such 'uncomfortable' subjects as pain, misunderstanding, loneliness, and even death. Paterson's stories don't always end happily, but they are always filled with hope. It's precisely these kinds of books that help a young person grow up. Ten-year-old Jesse Aarons is a brilliant artist, but few people know it. His parents are barely making ends meet—they have no time for their son's fantasies, and if his sisters find out, they'll tease him. But then one day, Jesse gets a new neighbor—Leslie Burke, his peer. She's completely different from the rest of his classmates: she dresses strangely and doesn't have a television. But she knows a ton of stories, and you can talk to her about anything. And even journey together to the fairytale land of Terabithia... This poignant and wise book speaks of the courage to be oneself and how profound loss helps one become stronger and find one's own path. In 1978, Katherine Paterson was awarded the Newbery Medal, the highest US award in children's literature, for her novel Bridge to Terabithia.