Jason Reynolds Takes a Third Lap

As the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for the past two years, Jason Reynolds has been an enthusiastic and supportive proponent of reading, writing and creativity, even in the depth of the pandemic. In April 2020, we joined with him to launch a 30-part video series for kids, “Write. Right. Rite,” offering fun and engaging prompts to express creativity. The popular video shorts were widely used in home and classroom settings during a time when social distancing required fresh and engaging virtual content.

“Jason’s GRAB THE MIC platform has proven that connecting with kids on their level empowers real world growth in reading and writing,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. Today, she made it official: Reynolds has been appointed to an unprecedented third year as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. The Ambassador program is an initiative of the Library in partnership with Every Child a Reader and the Children’s Book Council, with generous support from Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

Reynolds discussed plans for his third year during an interview on NPR’s TED Radio Hour podcast at the Library of Congress National Book Festival. You can also read the complete announcement on his third year, with details of those plans, which include a nationwide virtual tour to meet students in rural communities to continue his work of encouraging young people to share their own narratives and write their stories.

Join us for the 2021 National Book Festival, Sept. 17-26. Audiences are invited to create their own festival experience this year, with programs in a range of formats. Subscribe to this blog for future updates on the festival, and visit the Festival website.