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Avi, writer

@avi-writer.bsky.social
49 followers 5 following 169 posts

Author of 80+ books for young readers. Speaker. Newbery Award. Newbery Honors. Poppy book series. Latest books: Lost in the Empire City; The Secret Sisters. Rocky Mountain writer. www.avi-writer.com

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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 3h
“This Newbery Honor book is a favorite for teaching media literacy, point of view, and the difference between what’s technically true and what’s actually accurate,” says ReadingVine about my novel Nothing But the Truth. Definitely timely topics to talk over with young readers! bit.ly/4zppKda
The cover of Avi's book Nothing But the Truth, a Newbery honor book
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Sometimes language hangs on to old phrases and repurposes them, though if you check closely, they don’t always make sense. Read more: bit.ly/4AYpTWB
A Amilcar roadster started with a hand crank illustrating Avi's article on Fossil Phrases
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
My recent novel The Road from Nowhere is set during 1893 when America was facing a severe economic crisis. How does the reality of 1893 look when matched against financial issues so many American families are currently facing? Challenge young readers to do a compare/contrast activity. bit.ly/3Mbfv9d
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
My first book, Things that Sometimes Happen, and the story of how it was published after being turned down by seven publishers (maybe more). It has stayed in print for 56 years. Read the story behind the story: bit.ly/4dQDR2U
The story behind the story of Avi's first book, Things That Sometimes Happen
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
October is a great month to tempt young readers with books full of thrills and chills! Fortunately, my website lists my titles by category (among other things). Spooky tales are a fan favorite. Just click books/categories/ghost stories on the menu to serve up some scary stories. www.avi-writer.com
Spooky tales by Avi including Something Upstairs, Seer of Shadows, School of the Dead, and the Devil's Race.
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I believe that when illustrations and text meld into a uniform book, you get the richest reading pleasure possible. Let's take a look at some examples, along with news of my newest illustrated book. #illustrations #NCWyeth #ErnestHShepard #JohnTenniel #WWDenslow bit.ly/4yrTczo
Illustrated Novels for middle grade readers including Treasure Island, Poppy, Rat Race, and Winnie-the-Pooh
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
When I do school visits I discuss my challenges with dysgraphia. Students with similar challenges learn I’ve found success as both a writer and a reader despite that fact! Here are resources you might find helpful for your students. My Visits: bit.ly/3HVI9p9 Dyslexia Awareness: bit.ly/46zDmGx
Author Avi has written more than 80 books in spite of a dysgraphia diagnosis.
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
People often ask me (as I assume they ask other writers) “What is the process by which you create one of your novels?” Read more: bit.ly/3TF5N2V
A steampunk illustration of a flying ship over a city with an open book superimposed over it with Avi "The Hardest Book I've Ever Written"
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Can you name the subject of what has been referred to as “the most important piece of writing in the history of capitalism”? Check out the Story Behind the Story for my novel City of Magic to learn more! Story Behind the Story: bit.ly/3DvquDw City of Magic: bit.ly/3HP7wdO
City of Magic, a historical mystery which look at the origins of bookkeeping, written by Avi
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The notion of writers inventing words is intriguing. I’m quite sure I have never done so. (Bad spelling doesn’t count.) Here's an invitation to invent a word. Inventing Words: bit.ly/3UQvded
The statue of William Shakespeare at The British Library, by Roubiliac, photo by Claudio Divizia
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
If you’re working with a reluctant reader, audiobooks can be a great way to grab their interest! Just as one example, here’s the engaging audiobook preview for my novel City of Orphans. Audiobook preview: www.youtube.com/watch?v=imyi... City of Orphans: bit.ly/3FWLkw3
City of Orphans audiobook preview available
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I am having one of those great crises that all book lovers reach at some point: I am moving, downsizing, and must get rid of some of my books. #downsizing #bookcollection #reading bit.ly/4iS3N1i
man reading a book on a bench in the garden, accompanies Avi's article "A Great Crisis"
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
If you are published professionally, you are going to be critiqued professionally. Grateful to readers who post reviews. Karen Reeder, about The Road from Nowhere: “From a master of storytelling comes a new family adventure of growth and friendship in a unique historical setting." bit.ly/3Mbfv9d
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
This summer I asked 13 writers what advice they would give to those young (and older) folks who would like to become a writer. With apologies to all the writers for leaving out so much of their thoughtful essays, I’ve compiled a quick highlight of their always meaningful suggestions. bit.ly/4gCJbri
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
One of the most common questions I get from young readers is how I think of my ideas. I regularly feature the “Story Behind the Story” on my website! As an example, here’s one to share with your students about the two titles that make up my Beyond the Western Sea duology. bit.ly/4gh1Vh3
Read the story behind the stories in Avi's books Escape from Home and Into the Storm
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
From author Tricia Springstubb: "My best stories, my truest stories, the ones I stick with all the way to The End — they grow out of my head for sure. But they also grow out of my heart." Read Tricia's essay: bit.ly/3S8F4v1
Tricia Springstubb shares her advice for becoming a writer on Avi's Summer Blog Series 2026
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
So you don't miss any of my posts, I invite you to follow me on Substack! My pieces feature writing advice (from other writers as well as myself), classroom resources for my books, and behind-the-scenes details about how I come up with my stories. Subscribe: there's no fee. substack.com/@aviwriter
Subscribe to Avi's Word Craft blog on Substack.
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Author Debra J. Stone shares: "I am still passionate about reading, and it’s an important practice in becoming an excellent writer. And as I developed as a writer, I found myself listening to elders telling their stories." #writingadvice #reading #writing bit.ly/45yzIfE
Author Debra J. Stone shares writing and reading advice on Avi's blog.
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
My novel Catch You Later, Traitor is set 75 years ago, during a volatile political time in the US: McCarthyism and the “Red Scare.” The book presents classroom discussion topics relevant to current times but may be less heated because the focus is on a different era in history. bit.ly/42TwgsN
Avi, author of Catch You Later, Traitor, suggests Classroom discussions, book clubs, reading circles, and virtual author Q&A
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
This week, Sharon G. Flake shares, "Yes, writing can be hard work. Yes, sometimes I want to pull my hair out as I wrestle with a scene or trickly character arc. But I wouldn’t choose any other career." Read Sharon's advice for writers: bit.ly/4q5Z91i
Sharon G. Flake writes an essay "Your Road, Your Way" as advice for becoming a writer?
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
My short story collection Strange Happenings was re-released on 7/21, with a new story and a new cover! I hope the new story meets with the same warm reception as the original. Booklist ⭐ review: “Great choices for sharing aloud in class or as inspiration in creative-writing units.” bit.ly/4vEV8C4
Bookcover for Strange Happenings Spine-Tingling Tales and a photo of author Avi
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Linda Williams Jackson shares, "I had been refusing to work on a manuscript that, not one, but two, agents had been imploring me to draft." Read her essay: bit.ly/4g9Kmzf
Linda Williams Jackson author shares her writing advice: Sit down. Write. Finish what you start. Finish strong.
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Here's an older essay called “Visiting classrooms.” My first classroom visit as an author was in 1970—a fact that’s hard to grasp, as both the students and I still get so much out of these chances to interact directly. Learn more about my author visits: bit.ly/4gReCjo
Author Avi offers in-person and virtual author visits in 2025-2026 school year
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
From Brian Floca, "writing is a way of thinking, a way of figuring things out, and in the genuine work of writing and rewriting (and rewriting) you will begin to understand your true priorities and hopes for your writing." Brian Floca's article: bit.ly/4x1ghaL
Brian Floca writes about the writing process in Writing for Me is Hard Work
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
My recounting of the evolution of the short story collection Strange Happenings, newly in its third rendition, now with a new short story and illustrations by Devin Forst, published by Clarion Books. bit.ly/4vJozD4 @harperkids.bsky.social #shortstories #scarystories
Tom Babette and Simon becomes the book Strange Happenings, now with a new story and illustrations
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Today is publication day for the newly updated Strange Happenings: Spine-Tingling Tales (by Avi). The publisher is offers a sale price in celebration. bit.ly/4wkXuaA Devin Forst illustrated this new version. Avi wrote a never-before-published story, contributed an author's note. bit.ly/4vEV8C4
Strange Happenings Spine-Tingling Tales is a newly reissued book by Avi, now with illustrations, a new story, and an author's note.
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
From author Mike Jung, "The act of writing has a whole lot of layers, you know? It’s a creative art, and creating art can be really fun and absorbing. Creating art is also work, though, and working on a project can be tiring and frustrating. However ..." Don't miss this essay! bit.ly/4fckO4h
On Avi's Summer Blog Series 2026, Mike Jung shares his writing advice for young writers. "It's Interesting ... and Complicated"
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
By way of definition, a short story could simply be a story that is, well, short. Ah, but how short? Or how long? Read more: bit.ly/4vwuCuQ
Avi has a new book of short stories, Strange Happenings. Looking at other short stories.
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
In this week's essay, Joyce Sidman begins: "The first thing I would say is: if you wish to become a writer, sit down and write. Whenever you can. Fit it in around your friends and sports and classes." bit.ly/4aQtGtI
Joyce Sidman writes about "Find Your Voice / Enjoy the Process" on Avi's Summer Blog Series 2026
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
I’ve been highlighting my Revolutionary War novels — but there are many other fascinating periods of American history! Some of my books feature well-known events, such as the Civil War, but others explore history that will likely be new to young readers. avi-writer.com/book-categor...
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Sara Pennypacker writes: "This year, my best advice is: Be honest and be kind, but above all, be brave." Read her essay sharing advice to those who wish to be writers. #writingadvice @sarapennypacker.bsky.social Sara Pennypacker's essay: bit.ly/4wA1eF3
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Loyalty is the most recently published of my novels featuring America’s War of Independence — a title that School Library Journal’s starred review called: “A fascinating, complex and rarely seen view of the American Revolutionary War.” bit.ly/4v6rKVk
Loyalty is a novel by Avi about the American Revolutionary War
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
From Barbara Carroll Roberts, "We have to pay attention to the world around us, because it’s through specific, intentional details that our writing comes alive." Read the rest of Barbara's advice ... bit.ly/4v9gaZs
Author Barbara Carroll Roberts writes about paying attention to the details in your writing.
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The Fighting Ground, set during the Revolutionary War. Kate on Kids Books: “American kids will experience what it is like when a war is fought in your own community and maybe be more sympathetic to current world events.” Kate on Kids: bit.ly/4eovuMP The Fighting Ground: bit.ly/3U6jFPj
The Fighting Ground by Avi set during the American Revolutionary War
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
From Gary D. Schmidt: "When St. Augustine was working on his De Rhetorica, he began by trying to define what words are — not a bad place to start. He concluded that words are signs of real things." St. Augustine, Charles Dickens, dogs, gardening, and more. bit.ly/4fWaNsJ
Gary D. Schmidt article in answer to the question What Advice can you give so I can become a writer. The Answer is Simple: A Garden or a Dog, One.
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
For many years, I’ve shared weekly musings with interested followers: behind-the-scenes peeks into the inspirations for my books, glimpses into my daily life. You can now access these brief pieces via Substack. Follow the link — you won’t miss a week! Subscribe on Substack: substack.com/@aviwriter
Avi's blog Word Craft on Substack
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
From Tracey Baptiste: "First, you need to experience a lot of stories ... To learn, you need to pay attention to the details." #AviSummerBlogSeries2026 #writing Baptiste essay: bit.ly/4xy2LfR Tracey Baptiste: www.traceybaptiste.com
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Father’s Day is June 21—my book The Most Important Thing: Stories About Sons, Fathers, and Grandfathers would make a good gift or read-aloud. Book columnist Kendal A. Rautzhan described it by saying: “Equally important for fathers as it is for sons, this is a must-read.” bit.ly/3qu5lFX
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
"you never know the impact your work might have on others. ... I hoped for but didn’t anticipate I would hear: your characters have made my kids proud of their background, your books turned my students into readers, and most often, your work is changing lives." bit.ly/4dXjFgj @vtbidania.bsky.social
Author V.T. Bidania's advice about becoming a writer
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
“Newbery Medalist Avi channels the mood, language, and danger of the Revolutionary War in this seamless blend of history and fiction,” PW starred review. The book has been newly released with a brand-new cover just in time for America’s 250th birthday! Read the story behind the story: bit.ly/4veVSOz
New cover for Sophia's War by Avi
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
From Nikki Grimes: "It's one thing to imitate another writer to practice a certain technique, but when it comes to telling our own stories, it's crucial that we learn to tell them in our own way ..." bit.ly/4dKU6z3
Nikki Grimes essay for Avi Summer Blog Series 2026 Find Your Voice Trust Your Process
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
It would be fun to do a compare/contrast exercise with my The Road from Nowhere bit.ly/3Mbfv9d and one of my established favorites, Gold Rush Girl bit.ly/4579aj5. Road from Nowhere features Colorado silver mining in 1893 — the older title features the California gold fields in the same century.
The Road from Nowhere and Gold Rush Girl by Avi
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
This week we're kicking off my Summer Blog Series 2026 ... Join us throughout the summer for 14 essays by writers I admire answering the question, "What advice can you give so I can become a writer?” bit.ly/4fIoLy4
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Great news: Strange Happenings, a popular collection of my short stories, is going to be reissued with an additional story on July 21. Booklist’s starred review described the original collection: “The pieces are vividly imagined and shot through with a captivating, edgy spookiness.” bit.ly/4dAkaLX
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Merriam-Webster's daily blog "Word of the Day" is one that this writer finds much in which to delight. It’s not often I discover a new word. But now and again I do. bit.ly/4uXMmiQ
Avi writes about Merriam Webster, Noah Webster, and Word of the Day
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Why do we read aloud to our kids? Especially those who can read to themselves? A list from the Learning Well blog of “Our 35 Favorite Family Read Alouds.” I’m delighted to find my novel Sophia’s War featured there! bit.ly/4dMu7WP Sophia's War: bit.ly/3EtVrqO Read Aloud Revival: bit.ly/4tEwKzN
Five books on a Family Read Aloud suggested list including Bud, Not Buddy, Number the Stars, Sophia's War, War Horse, and The Birchbark House
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Many years ago, when I was just starting out as a writer, someone gave me this advice: “If you want to live as a writer, you need to be able to do two things ... In Quest of the Perfect Book: bit.ly/3RA4eBL
Avi writes about pursuing the writing of the perfect book
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Here’s a fascinating fact: the poet who wrote “America the Beautiful,” which evolved into the beloved song, was inspired to do so by taking a trip to Colorado in 1893—the very setting of my novel The Road from Nowhere! About the song: bit.ly/4tcgXrE About the book: bit.ly/3Mbfv9d
Kathryn Lee Bates wrote America, the Beautiful in Colorado in 1893
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
While browsing the other day in a used book store, I stopped short when I saw a Nero Wolfe mystery paperback selling for a buck. To see that book in the bookstore was like running into old friends. Which is, I think, the great attraction of series books. bit.ly/3Pm1Td1
Series books, an essay by author Avi
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Avi, writer @avi-writer.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Great company for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle: “All of these books I read after the age of 30. However, the fact that a 30-something can enjoy a bunch of kid books says a lot about their potential for enduring appeal.” bit.ly/4uey1yc
20th Century Classics published in the 1990s, books written for children and enjoyed by adults
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