Kirby Larson

Kirby Larson is the acclaimed author of the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, Hattie Big Sky, a young adult historical novel she wrote inspired by her great-grandmother, Hattie Inez Brooks Wright, who homesteaded by herself in eastern Montana as a young woman. Her passion for historical fiction continues with two new titles: The Fences Between Us (Scholastic, Dear America series; September 2010) and The Friendship Doll (Delacorte; May 2011).

In 2006, Kirby began a collaboration with her good friend, Mary Nethery, which has resulted in two award-winning nonfiction picture books: Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival (illustrated by Jean Cassels) and Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle. They think three’s a lucky number so have their eyes peeled for another project to tackle together.

A frequent speaker, Kirby enjoys sharing her passion for research, reading and writing. She has presented at more than 200 schools, workshops, and seminars in nearly twenty states and as far away as Qatar and Lebanon.

Kirby lives in Kenmore, Washington with her husband, Neil. When she’s not reading, writing, or walking Winston the Wonder Dog, Kirby enjoys gardening, bird watching, traveling, or drinking lattés with friends.

For more about Kirby, check out her FAQ page.

Literary Award Highlights

• 2007 Newbery Honor Book Award
• Montana Book Award
• Christopher Award
• ASPCA Henry Bergh Award
• Southern Independent Booksellers Award
• Alabama Camellia Award
• Montana Treasure State Award
• North Carolina Young Readers Choice Award
• North Dakota Flicker Tale Award
• Pennsylvania Keystone Award
• Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award