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Recent Appearances:
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Listen to me talk about a secret path to traditional publishing on the Write-Minded Podcast.
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Come say hi at the Orange County Children's Book Festival in October!
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I talk about the creation of 'The Look Up Series' on Behind the Cover.
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Listen to my geek out about all things American Girl on the American Girl Women podcast.
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Come see me at the LA Times Festival of Books in April.
Aubre Andrus is the award-winning author and ghostwriter of more than 50 books for kids published by American Girl, National Geographic Kids, Lonely Planet Kids, Disney, Scholastic, and more.
Andrus works closely with publishers to concept and develop award-winning titles and series for some of the world's biggest brands and kid celebrities mostly in the nonfiction middle grade space including the much-loved narrative nonfiction novel NUBBY'S STORY (Scholastic, 2020) based on the media empire for animal lovers, The Dodo, and a 2021 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Winner; ghostwritten titles for YouTube stars like Ryan's World (one of the top 10 channels on YouTube) and slime queen Karina Garcia; and penned how-to books including A SMART GIRL'S GUIDE TO TRAVEL (American Girl, 2019), a National Parenting Products Award Winner, a Creative Child 2019 Seal of Excellence Award Winner, and a Moonbeam Spirit Award Gold Medalist.
Following her passions for empowering girls and women (especially after her start as an editor at American Girl magazine), she launched her own indie children's press that debuted with The Look Up Series, a collection of middle grade biography books that celebrate diverse women in S.T.E.A.M. careers with the ultimate goals of closing the gender gap in these fields. The Look Up Series has gone on to receive favorable industry reviews and win multiple awards including 2022 Best Nonfiction Book Series from the Moonbeam Children's Book Awards and the 2022 U.S. Selfies Award from Publisher's Weekly.
Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Andrus received her degrees in journalism and film from the University of Wisconsin, and now lives in Santa Monica, California with her husband and two young daughters. She loves to travel around the world with her family, continue on her family's bilingual journey thanks to her daughter's Spanish immersion schooling, and explore the natural beauty of Southern California—which includes the churros at Disneyland.
FAQ for Kids!
These are some of the most common questions I get asked from students around the country. Feel free to email me with more questions!
How many books have you written?
More than 50 books! Some are short early readers but some are very long like a book about animal communication that's almost 200 pages. Each book needs at least 3 drafts. I never get it perfect the first time.
What's your most favorite book that you've written?
I really enjoyed writing A Smart Girl's Guide to Travel because I absolutely *love* to travel and love encouraging kids to explore new places, try new things, and meet new people.
How long does it take to write a book?
About three months. After my words get edited, photos and illustrations are added by a graphic designer. Then the book has to be printed and shipped to stores. From start to finish, it can take two years.
Do you have any kids or pets?
I have two daughters. One is in kindergarten and one is just a baby. I've dedicated some of my books to my oldest daughter. We don't have any pets because I'm very allergic!
What's your favorite book?
I love the creative storytelling in The One and Only Ivan. It's fiction but based on truth. I write a lot of narrative nonfiction, and love to see fiction and nonfiction blended in new ways.
Where do you get your ideas?
From everywhere! I like to explore new places and try new things. I'm always curious and ask a lot of questions. I write down every idea as soon as I can so I don't forget it.