Kimberly Willis Holt is an American author best known for writing literature for children and young adults. She won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 1999 for her novel "When Zachary Beaver Came to Town." Born on August 19, 1960, in Pensacola, Florida, Holt often draws upon her own experiences of growing up in a Navy family that moved frequently, which is reflected in the settings and themes of her books. Her work commonly addresses themes such as family dynamics, coming-of-age, and the search for belonging. Holt's writing style is noted for its emotional depth, memorable characters, and ability to sensitively tackle difficult subjects.