Avi (author) facts for kids

Edward Irving Wortis (born December 23, 1937), known as Avi, is an American author. He writes books for kids and young adults. Avi has won the Newbery Medal once. He has also been a runner-up (called a Newbery Honor) twice.

About Avi

Avi was born in Brooklyn, New York. He has a twin sister. His parents were Joseph and Helen Wortis. When he was just one year old, his sister gave him the nickname "Avi."

Both of Avi's grandfathers were writers. One of his grandmothers was a playwright. He remembers his mom reading to him and his sister every night. They also went to the public library often. Avi is also the first cousin of actor Alan Arkin.

School Days

Avi had some challenges in school. He struggled with a writing disorder called dysgraphia. This made writing difficult for him. His parents moved him to a smaller private school. There, a tutor named Ella Ratner helped him a lot. Avi says she was key to his success as a writer.

His Books and Awards

Avi has written over 80 books. Most of his stories are for children and young adults. He writes in many different styles. These include historical fiction, fantasy, mysteries, and adventure stories. He also writes graphic novels and comedies.

Some of his famous books include:

• The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
• Nothing But the Truth
• Crispin: The Cross of Lead
• Poppy

Avi has won many awards for his books. He received a Newbery Honor for The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle in 1991. He got another Newbery Honor for Nothing but the Truth in 1992. His book Crispin: The Cross of Lead won the top award, the Newbery Medal, in 2003.

He also wrote Iron Thunder. This book is about the famous battle between the Monitor and the CSS Virginia ships. It won the Beacon of Freedom Award in 2009. Avi has written sequels to Crispin, including Crispin: At the Edge of the World and Crispin: The End of Time.

Where He Lives Now

Avi used to live in Providence, Rhode Island. Now, he lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He lives there with his wife, Linda Cruise Wright.

Avi's Works

Avi has written many books. Here are some of his popular series and standalone books.

Standalone Books

• Scout's Honor
• No More Magic (1975)
• The Fighting Ground (1984)
• Something Upstairs (1988)
• The Man Who Was Poe (1989)
• The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle (1990)
• Nothing But the Truth (1991)
• The Barn (1994)
• The Christmas Rat (2000)
• The Good Dog (2001)
• Silent Movie (2003)
• Iron Thunder: The Battle Between the Monitor & the Merrimac (2007)
• Sophia's War: a Tale of the Revolution (2012)
• Catch You Later, Traitor (2015)
• Old Wolf (2015)
• The Button War (2018)
• Gold Rush Girl (2020)

Book Series

Night Journeys Series

• Night Journeys (1979)
• Encounter at Easton (1980)

Dimwood Forest Series

This series follows the adventures of animals in Dimwood Forest.

• Poppy (1995)
• Poppy and Rye (1997)
• Ragweed (1999) – This story happens before Poppy.
• Ereth's Birthday (2000)
• Poppy's Return (2005)
• Poppy and Ereth (2009)

Beyond the Western Sea Series

• Escape from Home (1996)
• Lord Kirkle's Money: Beyond the Western Sea, Book 2 (1996)

Midnight Magic Series

• Midnight Magic (1999)
• Murder at Midnight (2009) – This story happens before Midnight Magic.
• City of Magic (2022)

Crispin Series

This series tells the story of a boy named Crispin in medieval times.

• Crispin: the Cross of Lead (2002)
• Crispin at the Edge of the World (2006)
• Crispin: the End of Time (2010)