Katherine Peterson announced as New US National Ambassador for Young People's Literature
Press Release:
Katherine Paterson, two-time winner of the National Book Award and Newbery Medal, was today named National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. Paterson will serve in the position during 2010 and 2011; she succeeds Jon Scieszka, appointed in 2008, who was the first person to hold the title. Katherine Paterson has chosen “Read for Your Life” as the theme for her platform.
“Katherine Paterson represents the finest in literature for young people,” said Dr. Billington. “Her renown is national as well as international, and she will most ably fulfill the role of a national ambassador who speaks to the importance of reading and literacy in the lives of America’s youth.”
The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is named by the Librarian of Congress for a two-year term, based on recommendations from a selection committee representing many segments of the book community. The selection criteria include the candidate’s contribution to young people’s literature and ability to relate to children. The position was created to raise 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.
“Katherine Paterson is a longtime friend and supporter of the Library of Congress, and we are honored that she will be the national spokesperson for our message to young people, parents and caregivers that reading is fundamental for success in life,” said John Y. Cole, the Center’s director. “Katherine has been a popular speaker at previous National Book Festivals, and we look forward to her participation in the 2010 event.”
Katherine Paterson’s international fame rests not only on her widely acclaimed novels but also on her efforts to promote literacy in the United States and abroad. A two-time winner of the Newbery Medal (“Bridge to Terabithia” and “Jacob Have I Loved”) and the National Book Award (“The Great Gilly Hopkins” and “The Master Puppeteer”), she has received many other accolades for her body of work, including the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, given by her home state of Vermont. Paterson was named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2000. Paterson’s most recent book is “The Day of the Pelican,” a moving, dramatic story of a refugee family’s flight from war-torn Kosovo to America. She and her husband, John, live in Barre, Vt. They have four children and seven grandchildren. For more information, visit www.terabithia.com.
SOURCE Library of Congress
January 7th, 2010 at 10:46 am
I can’t imagine a better choice! And don’t you just love the theme she’s chosen for her platform, “Read for Your Life”?
January 9th, 2010 at 2:23 am
[...] Karen Springen of Publishers Weekly has posted a fabulous article on the recent National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Announcement Ceremonies. On January 5th, well-known and highly respected author Katherine Paterson was announced as the [...]