Avi, writer
@avi-writer.bsky.social
18 followers 2 following 62 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. https://www.avi-writer.com
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avi-writer.bsky.social
We are approaching the celebration of 250 years of American Independence. Hurrah, but … bit.ly/3J1PtE1

(photo: Jlabouyrie/Dreamstime)
Memorial for the Unknown Soldier, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
avi-writer.bsky.social
Do you have plans for Banned Books Week in your library or classroom? It’s coming up October 5-11. I hope you’ll check out the helpful resources at this website and talk about the issues discussed there with the young readers in your life.

Banned Book Week resources: bannedbooksweek.org
avi-writer.bsky.social
Time and again, children’s books are the books that adults remember most. My article: avi-writer.com/blog/2025/09...
avi-writer.bsky.social
Have I had the chance to post this thoughtful review of my newest novel from the Ms. Yingling Reads blog? She says, in part: “Young readers should know about this period of history, and Lost in the Empire City is a great choice for making this an engaging topic.” Thanks Mrs. Yingling! bit.ly/3VUia8Z
Mrs. Yingling Reads review of Lost in the Empire City
avi-writer.bsky.social
Beginnings, then, are always important to me, and perhaps among the most important beginnings are the first lines of a story, the ones I write and the ones I read.

Read my article, which includes a question for you: bit.ly/42tiDCL
beginning lines of novels classic and written by Avi
avi-writer.bsky.social
If you work with writing students, you might find this past post useful, “Reading Out Loud,” as it provides suggestions to help young writers with revising their work or when they’re feeling stuck. #readingaloud #takeabreak #walkaway My article: bit.ly/4poBGHX (Photo: Mary Salen, Dreamstime)
Walking away while writing
avi-writer.bsky.social
Since I write fiction, I am delighted that research has shown that one of the most powerful ways to learn, gain, and practice empathy is by reading fiction.

avi-writer.com/blog/2025/09...
Empathy Reading and Breakfast Serials by Avi on Word Craft
avi-writer.bsky.social
My website features clips of me reading from many of the Poppy books, a great way to introduce the stories to your students. There's also a Readers’ Theater script for Ereth’s Birthday. bit.ly/4gsj06g and bit.ly/4gjqjx1
avi-writer.bsky.social
Breakfast Serials, at its peak in 2005, gave 33 million readers access to 17 stories written by 27 celebrated writers, with art by top-notch illustrators. The serialized story held the attention of a large number of dedicated readers. Learn the history of Breakfast Serials: bit.ly/4pf7G13
The history of Breakfast Serials
avi-writer.bsky.social
Looking to introduce your students to a working writer? I enjoy meeting young readers via virtual visits, sharing my triumphs and struggles as someone who deals with a writing disorder. Cost-effective way to bring an author to your classroom. Details on my “Virtual Visits” page: www.avi-writer.com
Author Avi virtually visits classrooms.
avi-writer.bsky.social
This past summer I asked my writer friends / colleagues to answer this question: “What’s your favorite strategy for encouraging young people to read?” Here's my sense of what I felt each author suggests. Avi's Summer Summary: bit.ly/4p0ZJws Summer Blog Series: bit.ly/4p1X45M
avi-writer.bsky.social
19th century, serial novelization made the cost of book reading lower for the public. It transformed reading from an individual endeavor to a social phenomenon. Serialized books today? Try Breakfast Serials! My article: bit.ly/4lMYjCY Breakfast Serials: bit.ly/4oWW0Qp
avi-writer.bsky.social
Kekla Magoon: "One of the most gratifying things that’s ever happened to me in my career occurred after a school author visit. As a young man held out his book for me to sign, he said quietly, 'This is the first book I ever finished.'” #reading #diversity #recognition #characters bit.ly/45BpYlB
avi-writer.bsky.social
My time machine travels to CO 1925, with a duo of novels that focus on high-spirited Ida’s huge desire to move on from her one-room schoolhouse so she can fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher herself. Both books bring this time just before the Great Depression humorously to life. bit.ly/43Xcaij
avi-writer.bsky.social
Deborah Hopkinson: "When writing nonfiction I try to keep in mind that many young readers prefer fantasy, realistic fiction, mysteries, or science fiction. I try to use the tools of fiction to engage readers of all ages, even when the subject matter is challenging or disturbing." bit.ly/45Svd0d
avi-writer.bsky.social
My time machine jumps ahead this week—first to a 1910 story of immigrants in New York City, with Lost in the Empire City. Then we jump to The Button War, set in 1914, which Publishers Weekly’s starred review calls a “powerfully evocative WWI novel set in Poland.”
avi-writer.bsky.social
From author Bruce Coville: "Whatever your aspirations for a book or story are, it will not have any effect if you can’t get kids to read it! To make that happen, you need to start where the readers are, not where you want them to end up." #humor #fantasy @brucecoville.bsky.social bit.ly/4lnRnMe
avi-writer.bsky.social
Last week, I met virtually with a book club in Indiana to discuss Poppy. They asked some astute questions. Here are some photos of the crafts their book club leaders provided to go along with the book. Thanks for reading the Poppy books, kids.
Making Ereth out of clay and toothpicks Making Mr. Ocax out of seeds and feathers Made bookmarks with pressed flowers and the quote, “It was so hard to be courageous. So hard to be a coward. Going forward or going back seemed equally awful. So much easier to do nothing.”
avi-writer.bsky.social
My time machine visits an immigrant family in 1893 NYC. Kirkus starred review, City of Orphans, “Heroic deeds, narrow escapes, dastardly villains, amazing coincidences and a family rich in love and hope are all part of an intricate and endlessly entertaining adventure. Terrific!” bit.ly/3FWLkw3
avi-writer.bsky.social
Author Tina Cho shares, "To encourage kids to read, I deepen my relationship with each child to find out their interests and then pair them with books they will find irresistible." #readaloud #summerreading #encouragereading Read Tina Cho's full answer: bit.ly/3Ua7JgB
avi-writer.bsky.social
My time machine next turns to one of the most critical times in American history—the Civil War—with Iron Thunder: The Battle Between the Monitor & the Merrimac, my novel that SLJ called an “exciting, fast-paced historical adventure.” #CivilWar #Monitor #Merrimac Iron Thunder: bit.ly/3VzAp0x
Time Traveler's Tour, American Civil War, Iron Thunder by Avi
avi-writer.bsky.social
From Margarita Engle, How to Encourage Young People to Read Poetry: "Let young people reach their own answers to the question: how does this poem make you feel?" #poetry #encouragepoetry #youngreaders Read Margarita's advice: bit.ly/3U2LPMc
avi-writer.bsky.social
This week’s time machine jumps from Gold Rush Girl in 1848 California, to The Traitors’ Gate in 1849 London, to an 1851 journey from Ireland to America divided between the two books that make up Beyond the Western Sea: The Escape from Home and Into the Storm. More about the books: bit.ly/3xiczjY
Time Traveler's Tour 1848 to 1851