Pocket-Sized Wisdom: Katherine Applegate on Love, Loss & Second Chances

About this episode

Katherine Applegate discusses her literary journey, themes of empathy and second chances, and her latest work Pocket Bear.

What do a gorilla who paints, a sarcastic oak tree, and a group of kids who morph into animals to fight aliens have in common? The creative mind of Katherine Applegate. In this interview, the Newbery Medal–winning author opens up about her journey from ghostwriting Sweet Valley Twins to creating beloved stories like Animorphs, The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree, and her newest book, Pocket Bear. Katherine shares how Charlotte’s Web sparked her love of books, why she writes about empathy and second chances, and what it’s like to have her work face censorship. Katherine Applegate has captivated generations of readers with her unique blend of heart, humor, and imagination. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Applegate is the author of award-winning series including Animorphs, Remnants, and Everworld. She won the 2013 Newbery Medal for The One and Only Ivan, a moving novel about a captive gorilla who discovers his voice — and his freedom — through art. Her novel Home of the Brave has also received critical acclaim for its portrayal of a Sudanese refugee’s experience in America. We also discuss her upcoming picture book Pocket Bear, inspired by the real-life teddy bears carried by WWI soldiers…

People in this episode

Host: Christopher Lau

Guest: Katherine Applegate

Topics covered

• Katherine Applegate
• children's literature
• empathy
• censorship
• second chances
• creative writing

Keywords

• Katherine Applegate
• Animorphs
• The One and Only Ivan
• children's books
• empathy
• censorship
• Pocket Bear

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Animorphs, The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree, Pocket Bear, Charlotte’s Web, Home of the Brave

Places: Ann Arbor, Michigan

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