Katherine Applegate is a highly acclaimed American author, best known for her work in children's literature. She was born in Michigan on October 9, 1956, and writes under various pen names, including L.E. Blair, Katherine Kendall, Pat Pollari, A.R. Plumb, Beth Kincaid, and Nicholas Stevens. Applegate has written numerous books for young readers, including the Newbery Medal-winning novel, The One and Only Ivan.
Some of her other notable works include Home of the Brave, Crenshaw, and Wishtree, which have all spent significant time on the New York Times bestseller list. Applegate has also written several picture books, including The Buffalo Storm, The Remarkable True Story of Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla, and Sometimes You Fly. Additionally, she has authored early chapter series, such as Roscoe Riley Rules and Doggo and Pupper, for young readers.
In addition to her work as a solo author, Applegate has collaborated with her husband, Michael Grant, on several series, including Animorphs, Remnants, and Everworld, as well as the young adult novel Eve and Adam. Together, they have sold over 35 million books worldwide. Applegate's work has been translated into dozens of languages, and she has won numerous awards, including the Christopher Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Her books have also appeared on many state master lists, Best of the Year lists, and Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists. The One and Only Ivan was adapted into a Disney movie starring Brian Cranston, Sam Rockwell, and Angelina Jolie. Applegate currently resides in Marin County, California, with her family and assorted pets. She is represented by Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties, Inc.