Mark your calendar! On January 3, 2012, the next National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature will be announced.
This post of Ambassador was created by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Children’s Book Council (CBC), and Every Child a Reader to raise national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to literacy, education, and the development and betterment of children’s lives. Appointed for a two-year term, the National Ambassador chooses a platform that reflects his or her personal interests and advocates this policy throughout his or her travels and tenure.
The selection criteria for this position includes:
- Author or illustrator of fiction or nonfiction books
- U.S. citizen, living in the United States
- Excellent and facile communicator
- Dynamic and engaging personality
- Known ability to relate to children; communicates well and regularly with them
- Someone who has made a substantial contribution to young people’s literature
- Stature; someone who is revered by children and who has earned the respect and admiration of his or her peers
The National Ambassador program was established in 2008 when Jon Scieszka was named for the 2008-2009 term. On Jan. 5, 2010, Katherine Paterson became the second National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Who do you think might be announced as the next National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature on January 3rd?