David L. Paterson

In August 1974, David's best friend, eight-year-old Lisa Hill, was struck by lightning and killed.

[1] His mother, author Katherine Paterson, used this real-life experience as the basis for her children's novel Bridge to Terabithia.

[6] In December 2012, Paterson ran a write-in campaign for Park District Commissioner of Manhasset, and won against the Incumbent.

In the Fall of 2016, his feature film, The Great Gilly Hopkins, based on another book written by his mother, opened in US theaters.

[7] In June 2024, David's documentary The Girl Who Wore Freedom, will open on screens in 100 cities throughout the USA, marking the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.