Newbery Authors: Katherine Applegate
We have several amazing new books by Newbery authors coming out over the next few months. We're taking a moment to highlight each of these creators, and today we're talking with Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award Winning author of The One and Only Ivan and the upcoming conclusion to this heartwarming series, The One and Only Family.
Seven Questions for Katherine Applegate
Where were you sitting (or standing or sleeping) when you got the Newbery call?
I was sitting at a desk in a hotel room in Virginia, Googling urgent care centers because my daughter had a sore throat. When a “Seattle” call showed up on my phone, I assumed it was a wrong number.
Name one thing that changed in your life after winning the award?
In so many beautiful ways, everything changed. Newbery recognition allows a book to reach a much wider audience, and that’s a huge gift. And yet, at the same time, nothing changed. The blank page remains terrifying and exhilarating every single day.
Favorite place to read?
On a comfy couch, sandwiched between two snoring dogs.
Favorite place to write?
See above, but add caffeine.
Most memorable question a kid has asked you at a school or library visit?
What is your net worth? (From a financially savvy second-grader.)
Best piece of writing advice for kids?
Don’t try to be like everyone else. Embrace your weird and always, always write from your heart.
How would you pitch your new book to a producer in Hollywood?
Guys, have I got a sweet deal for you! Do you still have the sets from the first Ivan movie lying around?
About The One and Only Family
For more than a decade, readers have been enchanted by the modern classic The One and Only Ivan, a Newbery Award winner and a #1 New York Times bestseller, and by its bestselling sequels, The One and Only Bob and The One and Only Ruby. Powerhouse author Katherine Applegate invites readers back into Ivan’s world for one last adventure—his most exciting yet.
Ivan has been happily living in a wildlife sanctuary, with his friend Ruby next door in the elephant enclosure, frequent visits from his canine friend Bob, and his mate Kinyani by his side. And in the happiest turn of all, Ivan and Kinyani have welcomed a set of twins to their family!
Ivan loves being a papa, even though it can be hard sometimes. But as he navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood, he can’t help but recall his life before the glass walls of the mall circus, his own childhood in the jungle—and his own twin.
In the tradition of timeless classics like Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, the one and only Katherine Applegate has crafted a poignant, delightful, heartbreaking, unforgettable final foray into the world of Ivan, the world’s favorite silverback.
About Katherine Applegate
Katherine Applegate is the Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous books for young readers, including the One and Only series, the Endling series, Crenshaw, Wishtree, the Roscoe Riley Rules chapter books series, and the Animorphs series. She lives with her family in Nevada.
More Books by Katherine
