Avi is the pen name of Edward Irving Wortis, an acclaimed American author born on December 23, 1937, in New York City. He grew up in Brooklyn as a shy child who loved to read and engage in imaginative games. Despite struggling academically in his early years, Avi's passion for writing was fueled by the importance his family and friends placed on it.

After initially starting as a playwright, Avi transitioned to writing for children when he had kids of his own. His extensive body of work includes beloved titles such as The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Nothing but the Truth, and the Crispin series. His work resonates with a wide range of readers, both young and old.

Avi believes that writing is a challenging craft that requires persistence, and he often rewrites his work multiple times to achieve the desired quality. He emphasizes the importance of reading as a foundation for writing and encourages aspiring writers to stay curious and seek their own answers.

Despite the challenges of writing, Avi finds joy in photography, which serves as a hobby and a means to step away from his literary endeavors occasionally.