When asked how she finds inspiration for her books, Katherine said her novels typically stem from something she’s either very excited or troubled about, and a question that she then explores and answers throughout the story. In response to another question from Taelor Spencer, Class of 2025, Katherine emphasized the importance of the writing process and revealed that one of her favorite parts of penning a new novel is the evolution of her characters from draft-to-draft as she gets to know them better. She shared, “I love revisions, it’s the only place you can turn spilled milk into ice cream.”

A refreshingly honest, witty, and self-deprecating speaker, Katherine ended her talk to roaring applause. She then posed for photos with grade 5 and signed books, including the grade 5 set of Bridge to Terabithia novels and other Paterson books that can be found in Ellis’ library. Grade 5 English and History Teacher Amy Sidari teaches the novel every fall to her students and said that “even though I’ve been teaching the book to classes for over fifteen years, it never fails to lose its magic or impact on my students when they read it.”

Katherine visited Ellis the day after her Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures Words & Pictures talk at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall in Oakland, which Ellis sponsored. At her lecture on Sunday, Lela Krackow, Class of 2020, introduced Katherine to the audience and described her own connection to Bridge to Terabithia, which she herself read in grade 5 at Ellis. Lela shared, “Though I read the book five years ago in my Ellis experience, I can still remember how I felt reading the story due to Ms. Paterson’s incredible ability to create tangible fictional worlds of character that feel as complex and real as your own self. I can still remember wanting to be as confident and unique as Leslie. I can still remember the outrage I felt at the school’s bully, Janice Avery. I can still remember the shock I felt at every twist in the plot, because turning the first page of a Katherine Paterson book is like swinging across a creek on a rope into the make-believe land of Terabithia.” Katherine opened up her talk by acknowledging Lela for her introduction and stating that it was a tough act to follow.

A true literary icon, Katherine’s words have touched the hearts of hundreds of Ellis girls and millions of children across the globe. Thank you to Katherine for joining Ellis, it was a truly memorable and delightful day for all involved.