Patricia MacLachlan

Patricia MacLachlan, renowned children's author, was born on March 3, 1938, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She has a unique connection to the prairie, where she was born and raised, and carries a small bag of prairie dirt with her as a reminder of her roots. This attachment to the land where she grew up has been a significant influence in her writing, which includes many well-loved novels and picture books.

One of MacLachlan's most famous works is Sarah, Plain and Tall, which won the Newbery Medal. The book is the first in a series that includes Skylark and Caleb's Story, as well as Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. MacLachlan's writing is deeply connected to the themes of place and belonging, which is not surprising given her own personal history.

In an interview, MacLachlan once spoke about her struggles with writing and how she had to find a way to connect with her new home in western Massachusetts. She found inspiration in a group of fourth-grade children who were also grappling with issues of place and displacement. The experience led her to write "What You Know First," a book that acknowledges the importance of our roots and the impact that place can have on our lives. MacLachlan's ability to connect with her readers and to convey profound themes in a way that is accessible to children has made her a beloved figure in children's literature.