The Library of Congress will celebrate Jason Reynolds’ tenure as National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature with a closing celebration next week.
Reynolds, known for children’s books including Ghost and Look Both Ways and young adult novels like Long Way Down and All American Boys (co-written with Brendan Kiely), was appointed to the position in 2020. He became the first person to serve three years in the role after being reappointed last year.
As ambassador, he established a story platform called “GRAB THE MIC: Tell Your Story,” which encouraged young people to write about their lives. He also launched a video series, “Write. Right. Rite,” which featured prompts for budding writers.
His closing ceremony will be held on Dec. 13 and livestreamed on YouTube.
“My experience as the National Ambassador has been extraordinary,” Reynolds said in a statement. “Engaging with young people during one of the most complicated times in our lives, felt like an injection of hope. My only hope was that I could give it right back to the kids, their teachers, their librarians, and their parents, and that I could remind them that our stories, and our willingness to exchange them, could turn the smallest town into the biggest world, and the busiest city into an intimate, dining room table.”
Michael Schaub, a journalist and regular contributor to NPR, lives near Austin, Texas.
