Kate DiCamillo
Kate DiCamillo (born March 25, 1964, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an acclaimed American author of children's fiction, best known for novels like Because of Winn-Dixie (2000), The Tale of Despereaux (2003, Newbery Medal 2004), and Flora & Ulysses (2013, Newbery Medal 2014) that explore themes of loss, redemption, and joy.[1][3] Raised in Florida after moving there due to childhood pneumonia, she studied English at the University of Florida, worked in a Minneapolis book warehouse, and transitioned to full-time writing after her debut success.[2][9] She has also authored picture books, early reader series like Mercy Watson, and served as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in 2014.[1][4]
