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Meet Avi, award-winning author of The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing But the Truth, and many more popular books for children and young adults. This fascinating glimpse into Avi's life will delight Avi's fans and inspire potential young writers. Photos.

Gr 5-8 Two recent Newbery Honor Books (The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, [1990], and Nothing but the Truth, [1991, both Orchard]) have brought this versatile writer recognition and many new fans. The first half of Markham's biography deals with Avi's background and family life. Perhaps the most compelling part of the story, though, lies in his triumph over dysgraphia, a learning disability that affects the individual's ability to write; in Avi's case, it made his spelling unpredictable and often rendered his writing unreadable. The author records how he overcame the problem with the support of his family and gifted tutor, but mainly through his own determination. The second half looks at Avi's creative process, the inspiration behind his books, and the recurrent themes of his work. A 17-page center section of black-and-white photos adds visual appeal. Teachers, librarians, and other adults working with children's literature will relish this book, with its wealth of fascinating details and anecdotes. Younger fans, though, will probably need some coaxing, but this solid biography will not disappoint those who try it. Marilyn Taniguchi, Santa Monica Public Library, CA Copyright 1998 School Library Journal Reviews