Leslie Margolis, author of the Maggie Brooklyn Mystery series and the Annabelle Unleashed series as well as many more books for children and young adults, is part of the Reluctant Readers Panel on Monday, April 30 at the IRA Annual Convention. She shares her passion for reading and writing in this interview with Reading Today. 

Reading Today: What got you interested in writing books for children and young adults? 

Leslie Margolis: I fell in love with reading at a young age. From the moment I could read, I had a true passion for children's literature. Writing for kids, in my experience, is absolutely a calling. I feel incredibly lucky to have the career I do. 

RT: What do consider your best book to date and why?

LM: Yes, I have a favorite novel, and it's a secret.

RT: What can attendees at IRA Chicago expect to hear from you?

LM: I've already been speaking to kids, teachers, and librarians about reluctant readers, and I look forward to discussing my findings.

Visit www.lesliemargolis.com for more information about Margolis, her books, other writing, author visits, and her six-toed genius dog Aunt Blanche. For more information about the 2012 IRA Annual Convention in Chicago from April 29 to May 2, visit www.iraconvention.org. 

Leslie Margolis Will Be There…Will You?