Adora Svitak

Adora Lily Svitak (born October 15, 1997) is an American child prodigy and internationally published. Adora is a 15-year-old who has published two books and transformed her writing success into speaking and teaching success. Known for her many essays, stories, poems, blogs, and full-length books. Adora first became known to the public when, at the age of 6, she was recognized on local news in Seattle for her writing abilities. Adora became an object of national interest at the age of 7 when she appeared with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America.

She wrote her first book Flying Fingers when she was 7 years, the book is describes Adora's abiding love of language and writing and contains tips and hints for other aspiring writers.

Adora Svitak's first book is a compilation of historical fiction and adventure stories, writing tips, her opinions on politics, religion, media and education, plus a collection of her earlier poems. Her mother, Joyce Svitak, contributes coaching advice for parents and teachers who want to bring out the best in their children. Together, Adora and Joyce are on a campaign to help children discover how creative writing can open the doors of imagination and learning.

Adora has written over 330,000 words in 2003 alone, but what sets her apart is the equally impressive quality and maturity of her writing. She has skillfully applied sophisticated writing techniques, exploring complex themes and vocabulary.

Adora improves visibly with each new story and has an incredible capacity to re-invent herself. One story is set in ancient Egypt, another during the Renaissance. Although her stories are infused with a childlike sense of humor, her lushly descriptive fantasy odysseys are peppered with witty dialogue, and her descriptions of characters and events betray perceptions and insights that seem ageless. How did Adora get so far in such a short amount of time?

 In 2005, at the age of 7, Adora began writing blogs and keeping an online journal, where she comments on matters of both international significance and subjects of personal interest. Since Nov, 2005 Adora has been promoting literacy and interest in reading and writing. She has lectured before large audiences of both students and adults across the United States at over 400 schools, and in the United Kingdom.  and presented at the annual TED conference. She has been featured on Good Morning America and on CNN.

Adora Svitak Interview: Tiny Literary Giant at 12

Q:  What challenges have you faced specifically because of your age? How has your age helped you to succeed?

A: People sometimes close doors and make judgments based on your age, how short you are, or the way you speak. That’s one of the things that I hope to change.

When people look at me, they think, “Oh, a little kid who’s just walking along and talking to her mom.” There are low expectations. But my parents obviously look at my sister and me as individuals who can do great things. Other people just look at me as a kid.

At the same time, being 12 and having published a book makes people think, “Wow, that’s pretty impressive.” It’s not something that I really capitalize on too much because I’m obviously going to grow up. So I hope to make what I do special, as opposed to it only being special because I’m 12.

My age has also helped me in that I’m able to relate to kids at a level that an adult speaker might not be able to do. As a teacher, I’m able to say, “This is what my generation thinks.” Having that voice and being able to speak for my peers is definitely an advantage of being 12.

Visit Adora’s Site http://www.adorasvitak.com/