Barbara Kingsolver, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

According to a reliable source, the author of Demon Copperhead Barbara Kingsolver is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the author's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 20/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Kingsolver for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 70-year-old author, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Kingsolver so important is the potential and influence she now has, rather than anything she has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the author have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Annapolis Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Annapolis (Barbara Kingsolver's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the author was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Barbara Kingsolver Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 19 Mar 2026

“Congrats! Barbara has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 19 Mar 2026

“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Barbara Kingsolver?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 19 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Barbara Kingsolver?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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