Ambassador Program Emeritus

Meg Medina (2023-2024)

The 8th National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Meg Medina, engaged readers across the country via her platform “Cuéntame!: Let’s talk books.” Inspired by the phrase Spanish-speaking friends and families use to catch up with one another, “Cuéntame!” encourages connection amongst families, classrooms, libraries, and communities by talking about books—both those books that reflect the readers’ lived experiences and those books that expose readers to new perspectives.

Jason Reynolds (2020-2022)

7th National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds connected with students and communities in rural America to have meaningful discussions with young people. Through his platform, “GRAB THE MIC: Tell Your Story,” Reynolds redirected his focus as Ambassador by listening and empowering students to embrace and share their own personal stories.

Jacqueline Woodson (2018-2019)

The 6th National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Jacqueline Woodson, invites kids and adults to join her in exploring books for knowledge, for growth, for fun!

She has created a new equation — Reading = HOPE × CHANGE — and asks you to have fun answering, “What’s Your Equation?” using the activity kit and resources below.

Gene Luen Yang (2016-2017)

5th National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (2016-2017) Gene Luen Yang calls us all to READ WITHOUT WALLS, exploring books about characters who look or live differently than you, topics you haven’t discovered, or formats that you haven’t tried.

READING WITHOUT WALLS promotes diversity and open readers’ eyes to new ideas and experiences. In this divided time in our nation’s history, READING WITHOUT WALLS is an inclusive way to spread appreciation and understanding for others — and to learn new and exciting things.