This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

TFK Q&A

CLAIM TO FAME Children's book author. In January, Avi received the Newbery Medal, the top honor in children's literature, for his latest novel, Crispin. It is an action-packed tale of a 13-year-old boy living in 14th-century England.

Q You've won several writing awards. Is it still surprising when you win?"]

A I'm very grateful and surprised. No writer sits down and says, "I'm going to win the Newbery." You just write the best book you can. The idea that a variety of people chose Crispin is miraculous. It's wonderful.

Q Has writing become any easier for you now that you are so successful?

A I think writing is very difficult for everybody, and I'm not any different. Winning a medal doesn't help me write the next book.

Q What are you working on now?

A A couple of novels. I have one coming out in the fall called The Mayor of Central Park, which is an animal story set in New York City.

Q Where do you get the best ideas for your books?

A I think about stories all the time. I experience life as a story. Just as a dentist sees teeth everywhere, I see stories everywhere.

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