National Ambassador for Young People's Literature facts for kids
The National Ambassador for Young People's Literature is a special honor given to an author or illustrator in the United States. This person is chosen because they have written or drawn many great books for young people. It's not just an award; it's a job where the ambassador helps kids get excited about reading.
The Library of Congress, which is like America's biggest library, gives out this honor every two years. The person chosen must be a U.S. citizen. They also need to be good at talking to kids and have a fun personality. This helps them share their love for books with young readers across the country. The idea for this role came from a similar position in Britain called the Children's Laureate, which started in 1999.
The Center for the Book and the Children's Book Council help support this important position. The ambassador also receives $15,000 to help with their travel and other costs. There is also a similar honor for poets called the Young People's Poet Laureate.
What Does the Ambassador Do?
The main goal of the National Ambassador is to encourage young people to read more. They travel around the country, visiting schools and libraries. They talk about their own books and the joy of reading. Each ambassador often chooses a special theme or message to focus on during their time. This helps them connect with kids in a meaningful way.
Who Are the Ambassadors?
Since the program started in 2008, several amazing authors and illustrators have held this special role. Each one has brought their unique style and passion for books to young readers. Here is a list of the people who have been chosen as the National Ambassador:
- 2008–2009: Jon Scieszka
- 2010–2011: Katherine Paterson
- 2012–2013: Walter Dean Myers
- 2014–2015: Kate DiCamillo
- 2016–2017: Gene Luen Yang
- 2018-2019: Jacqueline Woodson
- 2020-2022: Jason Reynolds
- 2023-2024: Meg Medina
- 2025–2026: Mac Barnett
