National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

National Ambassador for Young People's Literature is a prestigious literary position appointed by the Librarian of Congress to champion the cause of reading among the nation's youth. The ambassador, a prominent author or illustrator of children's and young adult literature, serves a two-year term promoting the importance of books and literacy. The program is a collaborative effort between the Library of Congress, the Children’s Book Council, and the charitable foundation Every Child a Reader. Through national tours, media appearances, and public initiatives, the ambassador acts as a public advocate for the transformative power of stories and reading.

History and establishment

The position was established in 2008 through a partnership between the Library of Congress's Center for the Book and the Children’s Book Council, with foundational support from Every Child a Reader. The creation was inspired by the success of similar literary advocacy roles, such as the United Kingdom's Children's Laureate. The inaugural appointment of Jon Scieszka, renowned for works like The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, was announced by then-Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. The initiative aimed to formalize a national platform for promoting youth literacy at a time of increasing competition from digital media, following advocacy from organizations like the American Library Association.

Role and responsibilities

The primary role is to serve as a national spokesperson, advocating for the importance of reading and the vital role of literature in the lives of young people. Key responsibilities include undertaking a national tour to schools, libraries, and literary festivals, such as the National Book Festival. The ambassador gives interviews to major media outlets like NPR and The New York Times and participates in events organized by entities like the American Library Association and the International Literacy Association. A central duty is to articulate a specific platform or theme for their term, such as "Reading Without Walls" or "¡Cuéntame! Let's Talk Stories," which guides their outreach and programming efforts across the country.

List of ambassadors

The ambassadors have been distinguished authors representing diverse voices within children's and young adult literature. The inaugural ambassador from 2008 to 2009 was Jon Scieszka, followed by Katherine Paterson (2010–2011), known for Bridge to Terabithia. Walter Dean Myers (2012–2013), author of Monster, served next, followed by Kate DiCamillo (2014–2015), a two-time Newbery Medal winner for The Tale of Despereaux. Gene Luen Yang (2016–2017), creator of American Born Chinese, was succeeded by Jacqueline Woodson (2018–2019), award-winning author of Brown Girl Dreaming. Jason Reynolds (2020–2022) served an extended term, and the current ambassador, appointed in 2023, is Meg Medina, winner of the Newbery Medal for Merci Suárez Changes Gears.

Selection process and term

The ambassador is selected by the Librarian of Congress based on recommendations from a national selection committee. This committee includes representatives from the Library of Congress, the Children’s Book Council, Every Child a Reader, booksellers, librarians, and educators. The process considers an author's or illustrator's distinguished contribution to young people's literature through awards like the Newbery Medal, Caldecott Medal, or Coretta Scott King Award, as well as their potential effectiveness as a public advocate. The standard term is two years, though it can be extended under special circumstances, as seen with Jason Reynolds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The appointment is formally announced at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Impact and programs

The ambassadorship has significantly raised the national profile of youth literacy through high-visibility campaigns and grassroots engagement. Signature programs include the national tour, which brings the ambassador directly to communities in partnership with local public library systems and school districts. Each ambassador's thematic platform has spawned related resources, booklists, and classroom materials distributed through the Library of Congress and partner organizations. Initiatives like Gene Luen Yang's "Reading Without Walls" challenge and Jacqueline Woodson's focus on "reading = hope x change" have been widely adopted. The position has also strengthened institutional ties among the American Library Association, the National Education Association, and publishers, creating a sustained, unified voice for the importance of children's literature.

Category:American literary awards Category:American children's literature Category:Library of Congress Category:Literary positions