Picture a storyteller who spun the rhythm of Washington, D.C.’s Go-Go music into tales that captivate teens worldwide—meet Jason Reynolds! This American author has redefined young adult literature with his raw, poetic voice, tackling tough themes like race, grief, and identity with a beat that resonates. From his award-winning debut to his role as a literary ambassador, Reynolds is a force, inspiring young readers to see their own stories as epic.
The Making of Jason Reynolds
Born on December 6, 1983, in Washington, D.C., and raised in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Jason Reynolds grew up in a world pulsing with music and struggle. Hip-hop, especially Queen Latifah’s Black Reign, sparked his love for words, leading him to write poetry at age nine. A reluctant reader, he found books disconnected from his reality, so he turned to rap’s storytelling. After studying English at the University of Maryland, Reynolds teamed up with friend Jason Griffin to publish My Name Is Jason. Mine Too. in 2009, a poetic memoir of their dreams. Despite financial struggles, his friend Chris Myers encouraged him to write in his own voice, paving the way for his 2014 debut novel.
Jason Reynolds’s Unforgettable Stories
Reynolds’s novels blend gritty realism with lyrical prose, often reflecting the lives of Black youth. His first novel, When I Was The Greatest (2014), follows a teen navigating friendship and loyalty in Brooklyn, earning the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. The Track series—Ghost (2016), Patina (2017), Sunny (2018), and Lu (2018)—chronicles four kids on an elite track team, exploring family, trauma, and teamwork. Ghost was a National Book Award finalist, praised for its authentic voice. Long Way Down (2017), a novel in verse, follows a teen’s elevator ride grappling with revenge after his brother’s murder, earning a Newbery Honor and Printz Honor. Reynolds also co-authored Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You (2020) with Ibram X. Kendi, a bold nonfiction work for teens. His style—poetic, rhythmic, and unflinchingly honest—makes complex issues accessible, with humor and heart woven in.
Whether writing about superheroes like in Miles Morales: Spider-Man (2017) or everyday kids in Look Both Ways (2019), a National Book Award finalist, Reynolds crafts stories that feel like conversations. His use of free verse and dialogue mirrors the cadence of hip-hop, giving his work a unique musicality that hooks readers.
Why Jason Reynolds Matters
As the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature (2020–2022), Reynolds championed his “GRAB THE MIC: Tell Your Story” platform, urging kids to share their narratives. Visiting rural schools and connecting with 16,000 students across 25 states, he empowered marginalized voices, especially Black and Latinx youth. His advocacy for diversity in publishing addresses the gap he felt as a child, ensuring kids see themselves in books. A 2024 MacArthur Fellow, Reynolds’s work has sold over six million copies, proving his stories resonate globally. His honest portrayal of Black experiences challenges stereotypes and fosters empathy, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary literature.
About Jason Reynolds
- Born: December 6, 1983, in Washington, D.C.
- Key Works: When I Was The Greatest, Long Way Down, Ghost, Stamped
- Awards: Newbery Honor, Printz Honor, Coretta Scott King Honors, MacArthur Fellowship
- Fun Fact: He didn’t read a novel cover-to-cover until age 17!
Snag Long Way Down or Ghost and dive into Jason Reynolds’s vibrant, soulful world of young adult storytelling!