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This article profiles U.S. author Avi. He created literature rich in character and captivating plots. Avi believes that he began his writing career as a reader, learning about the world through all sorts of genres ranging from comic books, to histories, to science magazines. He received his undergraduate degree from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, in history and theater. He did graduate work at the University of Wisconsin in playwriting. His novels cover a wide range of topics. He has written in many genres: mysteries, realistic fiction, children's picture books, young reader books, and novels for the young adult.

Profiles Dr. Seuss, author of several books for children. Educational attainment of the author; Characteristics of his books that help develop the reading interest of a child; Literary awards received.

Profiles writer Betsy Byars. Award won by the book "The Summer of the Swans"; Information on the characters of Byars; Examples of sensitive and controversial topics used by Byars in her novels.

Profiles writer Robert Burleigh. Description of the language used by the writer to convey the complexity of the lives of historical figures; Award won by the book "Flight: The Journey of Charles Lindbergh"; Information on the book "Hoops."

Profiles author Judy Blume. Controversy involving Blume's novels for children; Involvement of Blume in the Coalition Against Censorship in the U.S.; Focus of the author's works on realism; Awards received by Blume.

This article profiles young adult book author Johanna Hurwitz, born on October 9, 1937 in New York City. Hurwitz's novels present a light-hearted look into the world of childhood and the struggles of growing up. Her parents passed on their love of books to Hurwitz. At the age of ten, she decided to become a writer and librarian. Hurwitz's novels are not preachy; yet through the characters' actions readers can learn important lessons, such as in the book Class Clown.

This article features author Walter Dean Myers of Martinsburg, West Virginia. Myers is an award-winning author of books for children and young adults. His mother died when he was 2 years old and was adopted by Herbert and Florence Dean. The Deans fostered a love of reading in Myers. Reading and writing became a tool of rmYers to overcome many difficulties. Myers is best known for his young adult literature. His novels are an optimistic, yet realistic look at life in an urban setting.

This article provides biographical information on U.S. author Scott O'Dell. O'Dell is an award-winning author of more than two dozen books for children and young adults. When he began his career as a writer of adult books in 1934, he wrote primarily of his home, Southern California. After his success, O'Dell continued writing award-winning books for children, many of which are historical fiction.

This article features author and illustrator Nicole Rubel. Her energetic illustrations capture the attention of primary readers. Best known for her colorful illustrations of the Rotten Ralph series, authored by Jack Gantos, Ruben's brightly colored pictures furnish the reader with engaging details. Ruben received a Children's Book Award for Outstanding Graphic Design for Rotten Ralph.

This article profiles author Laurence Yep. Yep was born on June 14, 1968 in San Francisco, California. His childhood was marked by positive influence from his family. His parents also encouraged his love of reading. As a writer, imagination is Yep's primary tool. Throughout his childhood he created adventures in his mind based on the family car. In the book Child of the Owl, Yep shares bits of his childhood through the main character Casey.

This article features children's book author Paul Zindel. He lived a turbulent childhood. His family, headed by his mother, moved frequently. The lack of continuity of homes and friends helped him develop a powerful imagination. He never left Staten Island in New York, but he saw the world. In one significant move he met his Pigman, the adult who helped him sort out the dilemmas of adolescence. He recounts this experience in his autobiography, The Pigman and Me in 1991. While he lived in Staten Island, he realized that writing might be in his future.

This article profiles author Caroline Cooney of Geneva, New York. Cooney is a popular writer for young adults. Her novels vary from realistic fiction to mystery and suspense. In Driver's Ed (1994), Morgan and Remy are teenagers who steal a stop sign as a prank. In Flight 116 Is Downy (1992), Patrick and Heidi are teenagers who come to the rescue of the survivors of the crash. In The Face on the Milk Carton (1990) Janie is a sixteen-year-old girl who discovers that her parents are not really her birth parents.

This article provides biographical information on U.S. author Jane O'Connor. In addition to a career in publishing, O'Connor has written books including stories for beginning readers, including the Here Come the Brownies series geared toward young Girl Scouts, and novels for young adults. Her husband and her son participated in the writing of several books including The Magic Top Mystery and Super Cluck!

Features poet and translator William Jay Smith. Languages spoken; Titles of children's poems written by Smith; Awards received.

Features children's books author and illustrator David Shannon. Career background; Literary awards received; Titles of books illustrated by the author.