Jason Reynolds Named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

I am so excited to see Jason Reynolds named the newest National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He’s in good company as he’s taking the reins from the former ambassador, Jacqueline Woodson.

This position is appointed by Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress and is co-sponsored by the Library of Congress, the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader.

Reynolds plans to spend the next two years as ambassador traveling to small towns throughout America. He’ll be using his platform, “GRAB THE MIC: Tell Your Story” to listen and empower teens to “to embrace and share their own personal stories.”

However, Reynolds didn’t grow up as a reader. And he isn’t ashamed to talk about his path to becoming a reader and ultimately a writer. His work is both powerful and accessible and kids around the country absolutely love his work. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Jason speak at a conference. And I can attest that his words speak volumes. He took the strands of multiple stories and wove them together. It was remarkable how he kept the audience nodding in agreement, tears in their eyes, and laughter on their lips.

I couldn’t think of a more deserving author for this recognition and am so excited to see Jason Reynolds Named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.