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Recent Appearances:
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Look for me at literacy festivals around Santa Monica elementary schools.
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Tune in to my latest podcast appearance where I share a peek into a side of publishing not many people know about.
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Listen to me talk about a secret path to traditional publishing on the Write-Minded Podcast.
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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.
Aubre Andrus is an award-winning author and ghostwriter who has written more than 50 books for young readers, collaborating with publishers and brands including American Girl, National Geographic Kids, Lonely Planet Kids, Disney, Scholastic, and more. Her work spans narrative nonfiction, biography, branded storytelling, and fiction for middle grade readers.
Andrus works closely with publishers to concept and develop award-winning titles and series including the much-loved 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 projects for global kid creators like Ryan's World and slime queen Karina Garcia; and how-to titles including A SMART GIRL'S GUIDE TO TRAVEL (American Girl, 2019), which received multiple national parenting and children's book awards.
Following her passions for empowering girls and women—shaped in part by her early career as an editor at American Girl—she founded an independent children's press that debuted with The Look Up Series, a collection of middle grade biography books celebrating diverse women in S.T.E.A.M. careers with the ultimate goals of closing the gender gap in these fields. The 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 elementary school and one is in preschool. I've dedicated some of my books to them, which is fun. 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, and I'm a big fan of history, too.
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.