Avi, the award-winning author of some 75 books, talked with first-fifth grade students at Graham & Parks on March 19th. Librarian Ann Niederkorn reports that Avi spoke about his family, life in his tiny (population 13!) town in Colorado, his experiences as a student, and how all of these experiences have shaped his work as a writer. One point that fascinated students was the fact that Avi was told by several teachers that he was not a good student or a good writer, and he showed examples of his work covered with red marks and teacher comments. Rather than being demoralized by these comments, Avi decided he would prove them all wrong, which he certainly has done. Avi’s advice to aspiring writers? “Read, read, read, and read some more!”