At just 15, Avni Khandelwal has penned a poetry collection that reads like a mirror held up to every young soul trying to make sense of the world and their place within it. Her debut book, Earth to Avni: Unravelling the Curls, published by BookLeaf Publishing, is already turning heads—not just for its emotional depth and maturity, but also for the recognition it has garnered. Most notably, the book earned her the Emily Dickinson Award, placing her firmly among the most promising voices of her generation.
Avni’s writing comes from a place of deep personal introspection. In her words, “This book is, above all, a love letter to the girl I once was.” What began as a notebook full of chaotic scribbles has now transformed into a poetic journey—layered with nostalgia, vulnerability, self-doubt, people-pleasing, burnout, and the quiet hope of healing. Every poem in the book is a step toward understanding herself, and in doing so, she speaks to many others walking the same tightrope of adolescence and self-discovery.
“It’s strange to be both the writer and the story,” Avni reflects. “But maybe that’s the point.”
What makes her literary debut even more memorable is a milestone most authors only dream of—Avni had the incredible opportunity to meet Palki Sharma Upadhyay, one of India’s most respected journalists and someone she deeply admires. The meeting wasn’t a brief exchange—it included a meaningful, inspiring conversation over coffee, a heartfelt review of her book, and a personal signing.
“Meeting Palki ma’am didn’t just validate my work—it reminded me why I started,” Avni shares. “She is humble, fearless, and kind—everything I aspire to be.”
Beyond literature, Avni’s talent spans across various spheres. She was invited to the Indian Parliament after winning a city-wide poetry competition across NCR and stood as the runner-up at the international debating platform Behes. She has participated in over 10+ Model United Nations (MUNs) and has also served on a MUN judging panel. She tutors Spanish to younger kids, actively contributes to two online youth magazines focused on social issues, and serves as a core member of multiple school clubs, while remaining an active participant in several others.
Currently a Grade 11 student at Delhi Public School, Noida (Sector 30), Avni is interning with Transform Rural India (TRI) and Child Rights and You (CRY)—two NGOs that reflect her growing commitment to social impact. Open to exploring more internships, she’s always eager to expand her learning across diverse fields.
Earth to Avni: Unravelling the Curls isn’t just a book—it’s a homecoming. It’s for the 10-year-old who once sat on the floor with a dream and a pen. It’s for every young person learning to embrace their chaos, their curls, and their quiet.
Through honest, messy, and brave poetry, Avni Khandelwal offers her heart on every page—reminding readers that art isn’t always polished, but it’s always real.
“I feel deeply grateful to my family, friends, BookLeaf Publishing, my principal, and my teachers,” she adds. “Their belief and guidance helped turn my pages into something real.”
📖 Book Title: Earth to Avni: Unravelling the Curls
🏆 Award: 21st Century Emily Dickinson Award, invited to Parliament 2 years back for an award for winning a poetry competition all over NCR, Runner up in international debating platform: Behes
📍 From: Ghaziabad, India
📸 LinkedIn: Avni Khandelwal
