Leroy Ninker Saddles Up

Born in Philadelphia, raised in Florida, and now living in Minnesota, Kate DiCamillo is a beloved children’s book author. Many of her books have inhabited bestseller lists, and, as a result, she has become a household name. Her books have garnered a variety of awards, including the Newbery Medal in 2004 for The Tale of Despereaux and again in 2014 for Flora & Ulysses and the Newbery Honor for her 2001 novel Because of Winn-Dixie. Additionally, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was awarded the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award in 2006 while many of DiCamillo’s other books have received recognition. A past National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, DiCamillo is a versatile writer who creates lovable and relatable characters. Her ability to connect with children stems from DiCamillo’s own experiences growing up. In an interview for The New Yorker, she states, “‘Whenever people ask me if my books are autobiographical, I always try to explain they’re emotionally true, that I’m drawing on things I’ve felt and experienced […] and that those emotions often tilt toward sadness and loneliness and frustration and grief’” (Cep, Casey.