Kim Michele Richardson is an American author who has gained recognition for her works of historical fiction and her memoir. She is a best-selling author, as several of her books have appeared on the NEW YORK TIMES, LOS ANGELES TIMES, and USA TODAY bestseller lists.
Richardson's critically acclaimed novel, "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek," is one of her most well-known works. This novel was inspired by the real-life "blue people" of Kentucky and the brave Packhorse Librarians who fought against bigotry and fear during the Great Depression. "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" has been widely adopted as a Common Read selection by states, cities, and colleges across the country and abroad, and it has been translated into over a dozen languages. It has also been taught in high school and college classrooms.
In addition to "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek," Richardson has written four other works of historical fiction and a memoir. Her fifth novel, "The Book Woman's Daughter," is a sequel to "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek" and was an instant NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and INDIE NATIONAL bestseller. Richardson's works have received numerous accolades, including being a DOLLY PARTON RECOMMENDED READ, a Goodreads Choice award nominee, and earning the 2020 PBS Readers Choice, 2019 LibraryReads Best Book, Indie Next, SIBA, Forbes Best Historical Novel, Book-A-Million Best Fiction, and is an Oprah's Buzziest Books pick and a Women’s National Book Association Great Group Reads selection.
Richardson is a Kentucky-born native and continues to live in the Bluegrass State with her family. She is also the founder of Shy Rabbit, a writer's residency scholarship. Richardson's next work is a children's picture book titled "Junia: The Book Mule of Troublesome Creek," which will be available in spring of 2024.