Karen Hesse

State: Vermont

Karen Hesse, a long-time resident of Sussex County, Delaware, is an award-winning author known primarily for her poignant children’s and young adult novels. She earned the Newbery Medal for Out of the Dust, a powerful historical fiction novel set during the Dust Bowl that captures hardship and resilience in sweeping verse. Other acclaimed works include Witness, The Music of Dolphins, and Phoenix Rising, known for their sensitivity, emotional insight, and lyrical style. Hesse writes across genres—poetry, contemporary fiction, and graphic novel adaptations—and frequently speaks at schools and literary events in Delaware. Her work delves into historical and emotional truths, deeply resonant with young readers and educators.

Genres: Contemporary, Historical Fiction, Poetry

Audiences: Children's, Middle Grade, Young Adult