Katherine Paterson

A Guild member since 1973, Katherine Paterson entertained and inspired over fifty attendees at the June 12 luncheon at Busboys and Poets. She read from her newest title and first biography, Jella Lepman and her Library of Dreams: The Woman Who Rescued a Generation of Children and Founded the World’s Largest Children’s Library (IBBY). Katherine sees children’s books as a bridge to peace and libraries as a safe haven for children in war torn countries. A reader from an early age, Katherine was horrified at the thought of being a mediocre writer and “spilling your guts out.” She was not a mediocre writer. Her 40+ books have earned numerous accolades including two Newbery medals, two National Book awards and the Hans Christian Andersen award. She reminded us to never underestimate your reader and to write from inside yourself. Her best advice is to “have thin skin to feel all you…