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

"Reading Is Not Optional"

Walter Dean Myers, 2012-13 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, with 2010-11 National Ambassador Katherine Paterson, and 2008-09 National Ambassador Jon Scieszka. Photo credit: Shawn Miller, Library of Congress.

As the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature from 2012-13, Walter Dean Myers traveled around the United States promoting the slogan, "Reading is not optional." He strove to spread the message that a brighter future depends on reading proficiency and widespread literacy, not only during his two-year tenure as National Ambassador, but beyond.