Karen Hesse

Karen Hesse

Karen Hesse
Reading Level

	edHelper's suggested reading level:	grades 7 to 12
	Flesch-Kincaid grade level:	9.25

Vocabulary

	challenging words:		recruitment, relevant, prior, viewpoint, completion, laborer, secretary, currently, reading, realization, draft, surrounding, evident, officer, original, personnel
	content words:		Karen Hesse, Towson State College, Letters From Rifka, Ellis Island, Newbery Medal, Scott O'Dell Award, Historical Fiction, Dust Bowl, Billie Jo, Come On

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Karen Hesse
By Jamie Kee

¹     Karen Hesse, born August 29, 1952, is an American author who writes literature for children and young adults. Her literary works often contain historical settings. Growing up, Hesse had many dreams. She imagined herself as being an archaeologist, an ambassador, an actor, and an author. Even though she gave up on most of these ideas, she always aspired to be a published writer. Hesse eventually reached this desire, but it took her more than thirty years to do so.

²     Hesse was born in Baltimore, Maryland. From the age of ten, she considered herself "good with words," and she exhibited a writing talent early on. It was Hesse's fifth grade teacher who supported her, convincing Hesse that she could be a professional writer some day. Her teacher's confidence made an impact on Hesse, giving her the self-confidence she needed.

³     After high school, Hesse had plans to attend college. She also held many jobs in her life, some prior to college completion and others following it. She worked as a waitress, a nanny, a personnel officer, a librarian, an agricultural laborer, an advertising secretary, a typesetter, a proofreader, a mental-health-care worker, a substitute teacher, and a book reviewer. Hesse decided to attend Towson State College, majoring in theater. After two semesters, she transferred to the University of Maryland. Hesse eventually earned a Bachelor's degree with a major in English and a double minor in Psychology and Anthropology. During this time in her life, prior to completing her studies, she also got married. After graduating from college, Hesse and her husband moved to Brattleboro, Vermont, and eventually had two children.

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