Karen Hesse Awarded MacArthur Fellowship

Author Karen Hesse has become the second children's author to receive the MacArthur Fellowship, following Virginia Hamilton, who was awarded the same distinction in 1995. Hesse, who won the 1998 Newbery Medal for Out of the Dust (Scholastic), is one of two dozen 2002 MacArthur Fellows who will receive $500,000 in "no strings attached" support over the next five years.

Often referred to as "genius awards," MacArthur Fellowships are granted to nurture people in diverse fields who "lift our spirits, illuminate human potential, and shape our collective future." The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which administers the fellowship, praised Hesse for "expanding the possibilities of literature for children and young adults."

Hesse's 15 works include many historical novels that have won the highest honors in children's literature. Her most recent book, Witness (Scholastic, 2001), which tells the story of the Ku Klux Klan and its effect on a small Vermont town in the 1920s, won the 2002 Christopher Award. Hesse, a former teacher and librarian, has said, "Young readers are the most challenging, demanding, and rewarding of audiences. Adults often ask why I write for the younger set. My reply: 'I can't think of anyone I'd rather write for.'"

Commenting on Hesse's award, Jean Feiwel, Scholastic's senior vice president and publisher and Hesse's editor, said, "We're thrilled that she has been recognized for doing what she loves to do. We congratulate her on this amazing accomplishment, which is a testament to her unique talents."