April 11, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 63 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Page S2426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO KATHERINE PATERSON

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. president, Katherine Paterson is a Vermont author with 
more than 30 titles to her name and a list of awards that other writers 
could only dream of. She has a keenly special knack for introducing 
young readers to difficult topics about life and death, as she did with 
her well-known novel, ``Bridge to Terabithia.'' She has just added a 
prestigious and fitting recognition to that long list, having been 
named the American Academy of Arts and Letters' 2019 E.B. White Award 
winner. The award pays tribute to her lifetime of achievement in 
children's literature.
  What is notable about this latest award is the modesty by which 
Katherine Paterson comes to it. In an interview with Vermont Public 
Radio, VPR, the author who has twice won both the National Book Award 
and the Newbery Medal said her latest award held special meaning.
  ``Any award that has the name `E.B. White' attached to it brings with 
it a great thrill of joy, since he's one of my real heroes,'' she told 
her VPR audience. ``He probably was one of the best writers in America, 
and yet he respected children so much that he wrote some of his best 
work for them. And that makes me incredibly happy.''
  Clearly, some of E.B. White's influence has rubbed off, as Katherine 
Paterson's own novels show great respect for her readers, young and old 
alike. Her writing has been hailed for the compassion she expresses, 
taking on life's challenges--and tragedies--in a forthright and honest 
exploration for young readers. Her achievement is all the more 
impressive given that Katherine Paterson's first language was Chinese, 
having been born to Christian missionaries who immersed her in the 
culture before being forced to leave China in the late 1930s. Her 
studies of both Chinese and Japanese cultures, as well as her religious 
interests, are evident in her collection of writings.
  We are fortunate that Katherine and her late husband John chose to 
settle in Vermont more than three decades ago. On both local and 
national levels, she has been most generous with her time, visiting 
schools and inspiring young people to read, while advocating for 
organizations that promote literacy. It is no wonder that Katherine 
Paterson has been named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress.
  Marcelle and I are proud and honored to call Katherine Paterson a 
friend and, more so, a Vermonter.
  Congratulations to you, Katherine, on this latest and most meaningful 
recognition. It is so very much deserved.

                          ____________________