Barbara Kingsolver, born April 8, 1955, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, essayist, and poet known for her enchanting narratives that weave together social justice, biodiversity, and the intricate interactions between humans and their environments. Her storytelling prowess is showcased in widely acclaimed works such as The Poisonwood Bible, a vivid exploration of a missionary family's life in the Congo, and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, a nonfiction odyssey chronicling her family's commitment to local sustenance.

In 2023, Kingsolver was bestowed with the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her novel Demon Copperhead, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. This accolade, alongside other prestigious awards like the Dayton Literary Peace Prize's Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award in 2011 and the National Humanities Medal, underscores her influential role in contemporary literature. Notably, Kingsolver achieved the historic feat of being the first author to clinch the Women's Prize for Fiction twice, with victories for The Lacuna in 2010 and Demon Copperhead in 2023. Her literary journey is distinguished by the presence of each of her books on the New York Times Best Seller list since 1993.

Raised in rural Kentucky and having spent part of her early childhood in the Congo, Kingsolver's rich background fuels her narratives. She holds degrees in biology, ecology, and evolutionary biology from DePauw University and the University of Arizona. Before her celebrated career in literature, she honed her craft as a freelance writer. Kingsolver's commitment to social change is further exemplified by her establishment of the Bellwether Prize in 2000, aimed at supporting literature that catalyzes societal transformation.

Currently residing in Appalachia, Kingsolver continues to inspire and engage readers worldwide with her compelling storytelling and advocacy for environmental and social causes.