Welcoming in Jason Reynolds as Ambassador for Young People's Literature

1/22/2020

Last week was a big week for Jason Reynolds and for the entire YA literature community. Being named as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature is a remarkable achievement. His appointment follows on the heels of excellent authors who have also held the position (see the slideshow below). The field of Young Adult Literature is blessed by the books and by the contributors of these fine authors.

Jason has a lot to offer scholars, librarians, teachers and most importantly, adolescent readers and future readers. Yes, that is right, even Jason was a once a future reader. He has stories to tell and, equally as important, Jason is a good listener. He is perfectly placed to encourage young people to share their stories. It wouldn't surprise me if in 10 to 20 years when the Library of Congress announces a another Ambassador that he or she will have a story to tell about reading, listening to, or having a conversation with Jason Reynolds.

I am forever in debt to Jacqueline Woodson for introducing me to the work of Jason Reynolds in a brief conversation. I am placing this post here as a way to mark Jason appointment. i will also be adding news, new book reviews, and other video that will help chronicle Jason's experience as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Enjoy the videos and the news stories. Bookmark the page and return every so often to found out just exactly what Jason is up to.

Images of the National Ambassadors for Young People's Literature

Jason Reynolds named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

Christina Barron

by James J Reddington for the Washington Post

Jason Reynolds named Library of Congress' national ambassador for young people's literature

Jason Reynolds Is on a Mission

By Concepción de León

Author Jason Reynolds Speaks On His Latest Book, "Look Both Ways"

by Andrew Mangum for The New York Times

Pick a Book by Jason Reynolds and Start Reading

Jason Reynolds of the Long Way Down

Jason Reynolds On His Novel, "Long Way Down"

Author Jason Reynolds talks new book, gets a call from Queen Latifah

How poetry can help kids turn a fear of literature into love

Jason Reynolds: 2016 National Book Festival (Ghost)

Until next time.

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Dr. Steve Bickmore
Creator and Curator

Dr. Bickmore is a Professor of English Education at UNLV. He is a scholar of Young Adult Literature and past editor of The ALAN Review and a past president of ALAN. He is a available for speaking engagements at schools, conferences, book festivals, and parent organizations. More information can be found on the Contact page and the About page.

Co-Edited Books

Meet
Evangile Dufitumukiza!

Evangile is a native of Kigali, Rwanda. He is a college student that Steve meet while working in Rwanda as a missionary. In fact, Evangile was one of the first people who translated his English into Kinyarwanda.

Steve recruited him to help promote Dr. Bickmore's YA Wednesday on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media while Steve is doing his mission work.

He helps Dr. Bickmore promote his academic books and sometimes send out emails in his behalf.

You will notice that while he speaks fluent English, it often does look like an "American" version of English. That is because it isn't. His English is heavily influence by British English and different versions of Eastern and Central African English that is prominent in his home country of Rwanda.

Welcome Evangile into the YA Wednesday community as he learns about Young Adult Literature and all of the wild slang of American English vs the slang and language of the English he has mastered in his beautiful country of Rwanda.

While in Rwanda, Steve has learned that it is a poor English speaker who can only master one dialect and/or set of idioms in this complicated language.

Blogs to Follow

Stay tuned for information regarding the Summit on the Research and Teaching of Young Adult Literature!