How Newberry Medalist and #1 NYT Bestselling Author Kate DiCamillo Writes

How Newberry Medalist and #1 NYT Bestselling Author Kate DiCamillo Writes

July 17, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

Kate DiCamillo discusses her writing process, overcoming rejection, and her contributions to children's literature.

#1 New York Times bestselling author and two-time Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo spoke with us about overcoming rejection early on, her workmanlike process, and how she stays grounded after more than 25 years in the craft.  Kate DiCamillo is a celebrated author of children's fiction, and famously one of only seven authors to win two Newbery Medals for her outstanding contributions to American children's literature. Because of Winn-Dixie—her debut novel—became a runaway bestseller and snapped up a Newbery Honor. Since then she has written for a wide range of ages, received countless awards, has nearly 49 million books in print worldwide, and been translated into 41 languages. Kate has multiple new books this year, and is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the beloved classic, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. The Chicago Tribune wrote of the author, “DiCamillo has carved out a distinct place as one of her generation’s most beloved writers.” There are popular feature film versions of some of her classic novels, including Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, Flora & Ulysses, The Tiger Rising, and The Magician’s Elephant.  Kate is also a literacy…

People in this episode

Host: Kelton Reid

Guest: Kate DiCamillo

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Library of Congress

Books & works: Because of Winn-Dixie, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The Tale of Despereaux, Flora & Ulysses, The Tiger Rising, The Magician’s Elephant

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