Avi
Writer
Name at birth: Edward Irving Wortis
Avi is the author of several novels for young readers and has won Newbery awards for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (1990), Nothing But The Truth (1991) and Poppy (1995). A longtime librarian before becoming a novelist, he has written historical novels, comedies, animal adventures and ghost stories. His books include No More Magic (1979), The Man Who Was Poe (1990) and Beyond the Western Sea (1997).
Extra credit: He has said he got the nickname Avi from his sister, but was too young to remember why... Avi does not use his family name because they discouraged him from becoming a writer.
Other authors of children's books include Beverly Cleary, Roald Dahl and A.A. Milne.
Four Good Links
Avi
His official site, with a brief bio and good personal notes on his books
Avi
Gale Group biography with very good details
Avi Biography
Scholastic News profile, interview transcript and teacher's guide
Learning About Avi
A young student offers some of the best background on Avi
Vital Stats
Birth
1937
(age 71)
Birthplace
Death
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Best Known As
The author of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
