Picture a Minneapolis-born storyteller who weaves magic into every page—meet Kelly Barnhill! This award-winning author of children’s and young adult fantasy has enchanted readers with her lyrical prose and heartfelt tales. Best known for her 2017 Newbery Medal-winning novel, The Girl Who Drank the Moon, Barnhill blends whimsy with real-world depth, drawing from her eclectic life as a teacher, park ranger, and mom.
With a knack for crafting stories that resonate with readers of all ages, Barnhill’s work explores themes of love, courage, and community. Her unique journey—from a self-described awkward kid to a literary star—makes her a fascinating figure in contemporary children’s literature. Let’s dive into her world!
The Making of Kelly Barnhill
Born on December 7, 1973, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kelly Barnhill grew up feeling like an outsider. A shy, socially awkward child, she faced bullying until her mother enrolled her in an all-girls Catholic school, where encouraging nuns helped her find her voice. Inspired by Ray Bradbury and fairy tales, Barnhill studied creative writing at St. Catherine University. Before becoming an author, she juggled diverse roles: park ranger, bartender, teacher, and even volunteer firefighter. These experiences shaped her storytelling, infusing it with grit and heart.
Barnhill didn’t start writing seriously until after her second child was born. What began as short stories evolved into novels, fueled by her restless curiosity and love for the fantastical. Her varied background—coupled with her time at a battered women’s shelter—gave her a deep empathy that shines through in her characters.
Kelly Barnhill’s Unforgettable Stories
Barnhill’s novels are a blend of magic, mystery, and human connection, often set in richly imagined worlds. Her breakout hit, The Girl Who Drank the Moon (2016), follows a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a tiny dragon. This Newbery Medal winner is praised for its poetic prose and themes of sacrifice and love. It’s a must-read for fans of heartfelt fantasy.
Other notable works include The Witch’s Boy (2014), a tale of magic and trust between a witch’s son and a bandit’s daughter, and When Women Were Dragons (2022), a feminist fantasy where women transform into dragons in 1950s America. Her novella The Unlicensed Magician (2015) earned the World Fantasy Award, showcasing her ability to pack emotional depth into shorter forms. Barnhill’s style—lyrical, immersive, and emotionally resonant—draws comparisons to Neil Gaiman, with a distinctly feminist lens.
Her stories often sprout from personal experiences. For example, a scene in The Girl Who Drank the Moon where a mother is separated from her child mirrors Barnhill’s time at a women’s shelter. This grounding in reality makes her fantastical tales profoundly relatable, appealing to both young readers and adults.
Why Kelly Barnhill Matters
Kelly Barnhill’s impact on children’s literature is undeniable. Her Newbery win catapulted her into the spotlight, earning her a dedicated fanbase and accolades like the Texas Library Association Bluebonnet Award. Beyond awards, her stories inspire empathy and resilience, encouraging readers to embrace their inner strength. Her feminist themes, particularly in When Women Were Dragons, challenge societal norms, making her a vital voice in modern fantasy.
Despite a traumatic brain injury in 2021 that temporarily halted her writing, Barnhill’s resilience shines through. Her slow recovery, detailed in a poignant New York Times essay, underscores her determination to reclaim her craft. Her work continues to captivate, proving that stories can heal and connect us across generations.
- Born: December 7, 1973, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Key Works: The Girl Who Drank the Moon, When Women Were Dragons, The Witch’s Boy
- Awards: 2017 Newbery Medal, World Fantasy Award, Charlotte Huck Honor
- Fun Fact: She’s a terrible gardener but an excellent pie baker!
Ready to fall under Kelly Barnhill’s spell? Grab The Girl Who Drank the Moon and dive into her magical, heartwarming world of fantasy!