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Katherine Alice Applegate

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Katherine Alice Applegate

Pen Names: L.E. Blair（Pseudonym used for the 'Girl Talk' novels）, Katherine Kendall（Used for Harlequin romance novels coauthored with Michael Grant）, Beth Kincaid（Pseudonym for the 'Silver Creek Riders' series）, A.R. Plumb（Used for Disney 'Aladdin' tie-in books）, Pat Pollari（Pseudonym for the 'Barf-O-Rama' series）, Nicholas Stephens（Used for certain Disney 'scary tales' tie-ins）

Profile

Gender
Female
Born
1956-10-09 （Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.）
Nationality
United States
Languages
English
Residence History
Ann Arbor, Michigan → Texas, U.S. → Florida, U.S. → Irvine, California, U.S. → Illinois, U.S. → North Carolina, U.S. → Pelago, Italy

Career

Occupations
Writer, Children's author
Active Years
1991-

Awards

Newbery Medal
2013
Work: The One and Only Ivan
Organization: American Library Association (ALSC)
Result: Winner
Golden Kite Award (Best Fiction)
2008
Work: Home of the Brave
Organization: SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators)
Result: Winner
Bank Street Josette Frank Award
2008
Work: Home of the Brave
Organization: Bank Street Children's Book Committee
Result: Winner (honor/book award)
Publishers Weekly Best New Children's Book Series Award
1997
Work: Animorphs (series)
Organization: Publishers Weekly
Result: Winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

The One and Only Ivan

2012 Children's literature 304 pages

Based on the real-life gorilla Ivan, the story is told from Ivan's perspective as he lives in a glass enclosure at a shopping mall, exploring themes of freedom, friendship, and self-awareness.

animal perspectivecaptivity and freedomfriendshipempathy
Adaptations
  • [Film] The One and Only Ivan / Thea Sharrock (2020)
Translations
  • The One and Only Ivan

Animorphs (series)

1996 Science fiction / Young adult 200 pages

A series about teenagers who gain the ability to morph into animals to fight an alien invasion, dealing with friendship, war, and moral dilemmas.

morphingresponsibilityethics of war
Translations
  • Animorphs (Japanese editions)

Home of the Brave

2007 Middle reader / Children's 160 pages

The story of a boy affected by war trying to find his place in an American school, focusing on identity and healing.

trauma and recoverycultural adjustmentbravery
Translations
  • Home of the Brave

Wishtree

2017 Children's literature / Contemporary fantasy 240 pages

Narrated by a community's wish tree, the novel addresses community, prejudice, and acceptance, centering on diversity and tolerance.

communitydiversitytolerance
Translations
  • Wishtree

Bibliography

  • The One and Only Ivan (2012)
  • Animorphs (series) (1996–2001, etc.)
  • Home of the Brave (2007)
  • Wishtree (2017)
  • Endling #1: The Last (2018)
  • Crenshaw (2015)

Adaptations

  • The One and Only Ivan film adaptation (2020)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
accessible, clear prose for young readersuse of animal perspectives and anthropomorphismcareful depiction of emotional nuance
Recurring Motifs
animalsfriendshipidentitybelonging

Legacy

Contributed significantly to empathy and diversity in children's literature; winner of the Newbery Medal for The One and Only Ivan. Influential across both series and standalone works, reaching a wide readership.

In Popular Culture

  • Film adaptation of The One and Only Ivan (2020)

Quotes

  • “Applegate gives readers a unique and unforgettable gorilla's-eye-view of the world that challenges the way we look at animals and at ourselves.”
    Source: American Library Association (Newbery committee) (2013)

Trivia

  • She began her career ghostwriting for series such as Sweet Valley Twins.
  • Has used multiple pseudonyms (e.g., L.E. Blair, Katherine Kendall, Beth Kincaid).
  • Married to author Michael Grant and has collaborated with him on many projects.
  • Adopted a daughter, Julia, from China.
  • Won the 2013 Newbery Medal for The One and Only Ivan.