Kathryn Stockett is an American author best known for her debut novel, The Help, published in 2009. The book, set in the 1960s, explores the lives of African American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, and addresses themes of racism and social injustice. Stockett's writing has received critical acclaim and has been adapted into a successful film. Her work highlights the importance of storytelling in understanding history and the human experience, making her a significant figure in contemporary literature.