Kathleen O'Neal Gear facts for kids

Kathleen O'Neal Gear (born in 1954) is an American archaeologist, historian, and author. She writes many books, and her novels have been translated into 29 different languages around the world.

Kathleen Gear's Early Life and Studies

Kathleen Gear was born in Tulare, California. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), from California State University, Bakersfield.

Studying Archaeology and History

After her first degree, Kathleen continued her studies in archaeology. She did graduate work at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

She later received her Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from California State University, Chico. Kathleen also studied American Indian history at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Career as an Archaeologist and Author

Kathleen O'Neal Gear has worked as a state historian and archaeologist. She worked for the U.S. Department of the Interior in Wyoming, Kansas, and Nebraska.

She is very well known for a series of books called North America's Forgotten Past. She writes these books with her husband, W. Michael Gear.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Kathleen O'Neal Gear has received several awards for her work. These awards celebrate her achievements in writing and history.

• 2015 – She was added to the Hall of Fame at California State University, Bakersfield.
• 2021 – She received The Owen Wister Award for her lifetime achievements in Western literature.
• 2023 – Her short story "No Quarter" won the Spur Award for Best Short Fiction of the Year.
• 2023 – Her book THE ICE GHOST won the International Book Award for Best Young Adult Novel of the year.
• 2023 – She was added to the Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame.