Author Katherine Paterson was honored with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award by the American Library Association for her contribution to literature for young adults.

Author Katherine Paterson has been loved by one and all for writing some of the most memorable young adult novels like "Bridge to Terabithia", "The Great Gilly Hopkins" and "Jacob Have I Loved". So, for her "substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children," The American Library Association recently honored her with the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award.

Paterson, who has been writing for more than a half-century, talks to NPR about the award, saying among all the awards she's ever won throughout her writing career, this one means a lot.

"I should say, don't give it to me, I already have too much. But when they called to say that I was being given the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, I must say I was thrilled. And I didn't say, 'Take it back!'" says Paterson.

Paterson's "The Flint" was published in 2011, which was an adaptation of  Eden Philpotts' 1910 fantasy tale. A friend told her about Philpotts' story, and with the help of her husband, she decided to bring it to today's readers.

Her writing style in this book was quite different from her trademark writing style, which usually portrayed children struggling with jealousy, anger and death.

Some critics have said Paterson's books tackle topics too serious for kids. "I think if a book has the power to move a reader, it also has the power to offend a reader. And you want your books to have power, so you just have to take what comes with that," she tells Martin.

Martin asks Paterson how she has been able to remain so close to what it feels like to be young.

"I just feel that I carry that child around with me all the time, that she's still alive and well inside of me, and I try to listen carefully to her voice," says Paterson. "The best thing about being a writer is it gives you readers who understand your deepest feelings and fears," she adds.