Leslie Margolis children's author

I get tons of mail from kids writing book reports based on my books, which is fantastic! I try to answer each and every letter. Sometimes I can’t. So sorry about that!

Here are some answers to my most frequently asked questions:

1) Have you won any awards?

Yes! YALSA named FIX a popular paperback. BOYS ARE DOGS is an Amazing Audio Book. And the ANNABELLE UNLEASHED novels have won a bunch of state and readers’ choice awards.

2) What other cool things can you tell me about your books?

My novels have been translated into a bunch of different languages. Here are some covers from around the world.

3) Have any of your books been turned into movies?

Yes! The Disney Channel movie, Zapped!, starring Zendaya, was based on my 2008 novel, BOYS ARE DOGS.

4) Where are you from?

I grew up in Los Angeles, went to college in Massachusetts, and then moved to New York City. I lived in Brooklyn for a lot of years (near Maggie Brooklyn’s stomping grounds) and am now back in Los Angeles.

5) Do you have any hobbies?

Yes! I love to read, explore both new and familiar cities, swim in lakes and oceans, ride my bicycle, spend time at the beach, hike, play ping pong, and hang out with my kids, who are eight and ten.

6) Did you always want to be a writer?

Always, always, always… and I’m lucky it’s worked out so far!

7) Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Write what you love and read as much as possible. Visit your local library often, and support your independent bookstores.

8) If I write to you will you write me back?

I will try! Feel free to email me here: leslie.margolis@gmail.com

9) Can you speak at my school?

I hope so! I really love speaking with kids about books and writing. I’ve done school visits all over California and New York and in lots of places in between. Last year I spoke to kids at a school in London, England, which was so much fun.

Basically, I have and will continue to travel far and wide and near and narrow to speak to kids of all ages at schools, libraries, writing camps, workshops, graduations, book fairs and festivals. I spent three summers leading fiction-writing workshops at 826NYC in Brooklyn. And I’ve also taught creative writing at Writopia, Los Angeles. I love meeting enthusiastic readers and reluctant ones, too. And I’d be honored to speak at your school either in person or via Skype. Please contact me here for more information: leslie.margolis@gmail.com