Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.

You are here: > Books and Authors > Video Interviews > Avi

A video interview with

Avi

Avi is the 2003 Newbery Medal award winning author of Crispin: A Cross of Lead, and widely acclaimed for his works of historical fiction for middle grade readers. In this exclusive video interview with Reading Rockets, Avi talks about the challenges of writing, his years as a librarian, and his symptoms of dyslexia.

He also recalls what it was like to win the 2003 Newbery Medal in this engaging and wide-ranging conversation.

Click on the links below§ to watch this interview online or to download it. You can also read the interview transcript. or a short biography of Avi, or see a selected list of his children’s books.

Download this video from:

Google (video)
iTunes (audio)

For more information and options, please see the Podcasts & Videos section.

View online

Writer's block (1:15)
Do actors ever get actor's block? Do mailmen ever get mailman's block? In this video clip, Avi demystifies the legend of writer's block.
Symptoms of dyslexia (1:45)
Throughout his school years, Avi's writing was often criticized by his teachers for being "sloppy" and "careless". But neither he nor they realized that Avi had symptoms of dyslexia.
Kids are wonderful readers (1:50)
When was the last time you wrote a fan letter to your favorite author? In this video clip, Avi explains how and why children are so supportive of their authors.
Embracing change (1:00)
Avi explains how exposure to history can change the way a young reader sees the world.
The challenges of historical fiction (2:00)
How do you even begin to reconstruct a setting that existed over 500 years ago? Avi describes some of the challenges of writing historical fiction.
On teaching writing (1:30)
A life-long writer gives advice on how to effectively teach writing to children.
Winning the Newbery Medal (3:00)
In this video clip, Avi discusses what it was like to win the most prestigious award in children's writing.

^§ To play this clip, you'll need a copy of the free RealOne Player. Most computers already have it installed, or you can download it now.

"I can understand my child much better just by visiting your site."
~ Tekesha J.

Find out why early intervention is the key to a struggling reader's success in this PBS show called 'Empowering Parents.' Go to store.

Reading Rockets is a national multimedia project that offers research-based and best-practice information on teaching kids to read and helping those who struggle. It is an educational service of public television station WETA in Washington, D.C.

Visit WETA's educational web sites:

© Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Reading Rockets is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. Reading Rockets® is a registered trademark of WETA.

Stay informed! Subscribe to our e-mail newsletters.