Kelly Barnhill

Kelly Barnhill is a highly acclaimed American author, best known for her young adult fantasy novels and non-fiction books. She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in December 1973 and has a reputation for being an eccentric individual with a love for storytelling. Prior to becoming a novelist, Barnhill held a variety of jobs, including teaching, bartending, waiting tables, working as a park ranger, secretary, and janitor. She believes that these diverse experiences have helped her develop her unique voice and perspective as a writer.

Barnhill has received numerous awards and accolades for her work, including the Newbery Medal in 2017, fellowships from the Jerome Foundation, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the McKnight Foundation. She has also won the World Fantasy Award, the Parents Choice Gold Award, the Texas Library Association Bluebonnet, and a Charlotte Huck Honor. Her writing combines elements of fantasy, magic, and realism to create immersive worlds and memorable characters that resonate with readers of all ages.

In addition to her work as a novelist, Barnhill is also an experienced teacher and has been recognized for her contributions to children's literature. She has been a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award, the Andre Norton award, and the PEN/USA literary prize, and was a McKnight Artist's Fellowship recipient in Children's Literature. Barnhill is married and has three children, with whom she resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She enjoys running, hiking, and blogging, and maintains an active online presence where she engages with her readers and fans. Despite her many accomplishments, Barnhill remains humble and dedicated to her craft, continually pushing herself to create stories that inspire and delight.