National Ambassador for Young People's Literature

National Ambassador for Young People's Literature | Walter Dean Myers

National Ambassador for Young People's Literature 2012-2013 Walter Dean Myers

Walter Dean Myers, five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and two Newbery Honors, was inaugurated on Jan. 10, 2012, as National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. The previous two ambassadors, Katherine Paterson and Jon Scieszka, were also on hand for the event

Images

Walter Dean Myers getting medal from James H. BillingtonWalter Dean Myers' book signingWalter Dean Myers, Katherine Paterson, and Jon ScieszkaWalter Dean Myers' book signingWalter Dean Myers' book signingWalter Dean Myers' book signing

Video

National Ambassador for Young People's Literature 2010-2011 Katherine Paterson

On Jan. 5, 2010, acclaimed writer Katherine Paterson became the second National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature in a ceremony at the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building. She will hold the position through 2011 and travel the country speaking about the importance of reading for young people. Paterson succeeds Jon Scieszka, the first person to hold the title, who was National Ambassador in 2008-2009. The position was created by the Library’s Center for the Book and the Children’s Book Council.

Jon Scieszka, National Ambassador emeritus, poses with Katherine Paterson.Gathering in the Librarian’s ceremonial office are Dr. Billington, Katherine Paterson and her husband, John, John Cole, Jon Scieszka and his wife, Geri, and Mrs. Billington.Jon Scieszka, National Ambassador emeritus, interviewed new National Ambassador Paterson.John Y. Cole, Center for the Book director, welcomes the audience and speaks about the importance of the National Ambassador program.Dr. Billington announces that he has selected Paterson as the new National Ambassador.

Scieszka entertained the crowd with stories about his two years as National Ambassador.Paterson eloquently addresses why she had accepted her new role as National Ambassador for Young People’s LiteraturePaterson autographs her newest book, “The Day of the Pelican” for a reader.Paterson poses with one of her many fans.

Following the Jan. 5 ceremony, Jon Scieszka, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2008-2009, interviewed Katherine Paterson, National Ambassador for 2010-2011. They discussed a wide range of issues, both serious and humorous, in a room in the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building.

The interview is in five segments: