A New Face for the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
January 4th, 2010 by the1stdaughterTomorrow it will be announced (Jan. 5, 2010) that the new face of National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature will be Katherine Paterson.
I thought this was fitting considering the discussion of the Newbery Award this month and Paterson is a two time Newbery Award winner (not that I had anything to do with the decision of course). Most of you may recognize her from the film Bridge to Terabithia which is based on the book that Paterson wrote and won the Newbery award for in 1978. She also won the Newbery award for her book Jacob I Have Loved in 1981 as well as a Newbery Honor for The Great Gilly Hopkins in 1979.
The theme for Paterson’s platform will be “Read for Your Life“. I have to say that from the start I LOVE this! It can mean so many things, but specifically for Paterson she says, “With books, kids (and adults) use their ‘powers of intellect and imagination’ and experience ‘delight.’ Stories also teach children about people from other religions, races, and countries. Books help us make friends who are different from ourselves.” There is so much to be learned from Paterson as she uses this theme to touch the lives of children all over the country.
The position of National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature was created just two years ago and until today was represented by John Scieszka, a powerhouse in children’s literature (especially for boys). Paterson will hold the position for 2 years and another representative will be selected. It is sponsored by The Children’s Book Council and The Library of Congress’ Center for the Book with the intent of, “raising national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people.”
Scieszka will be deeply missed by many, but I’m sure that Paterson will bring to the cause a new perspective and wonderful insight into the continued education of our children through reading. I look forward to the next two years to see how the presence of young people’s literature changes with Paterson at the helm.
For more information check out these sites:
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature
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Posted in A World of Awards | 2 Comments »
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Paterson book. About time to read another.
This has definitely put a few more books in my TBR pile just as a refresher!