Reading lists and articles featuring Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds Biography

Early Life and Education

Jason Reynolds, born on December 6, 1983, in Washington, D.C., is a prominent American author known for his novels and poetry targeted at young adult and middle-grade audiences. Raised in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Reynolds discovered his passion for poetry inspired by rap music, eventually transitioning to novels. Despite facing academic challenges, he persevered, earning a BA in English from the University of Maryland.

• Born: December 6, 1983
• Birthplace: Washington, D.C.

Notable Achievements

Reynolds’ literary journey began in 2014 with “When I Was The Greatest,” winning the John Steptoe Award. Over the years, he authored several acclaimed works, including the New York Times best-selling “Track” series, “As Brave as You,” and the Marvel Comics novel “Miles Morales: Spider-Man.” His impactful novel in verse, “Long Way Down,” received numerous awards, including the Newbery Honor and the Coretta Scott King Honor.

• John Steptoe Award: Winner (2015)
• National Book Award Finalist: “Ghost” (2016)
• Kirkus Prize: “As Brave as You” (2016)
• NAACP Image Award: Winner (2017)

Track Series

Reynolds gained widespread recognition with the “Track” series, featuring protagonists in an elite track team. Notable books in the series include “Ghost,” “Patina,” “Sunny,” and “Lu,” each exploring diverse themes while showcasing Reynolds’ ability to authentically portray characters.

• “Ghost” (2016)
• “Patina” (2017)
• “Sunny” (2018)
• “Lu” (2018)

Selected Awards and Honors

Reynolds received numerous accolades, including the Walter Dean Myers Award, Coretta Scott King Honor, and the prestigious Margaret A. Edwards Award in 2023. He served as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature at the Library of Congress from 2020 to 2022.

• Margaret A. Edwards Award: Winner (2023)
• Carnegie Medal: Winner (2021)
• Newbery Honor: “Long Way Down” (2018)
• National Book Award Finalist: “Look Both Ways” (2019)

Podcast Series

In 2022, Reynolds created and hosted “My Mother Made Me,” a podcast series in collaboration with Radiotopia. The series delves into his shared history with his mother, exploring deep and light-hearted aspects of their relationship.

• Podcast: “My Mother Made Me” (2022)

Selected Works

Reynolds’ works, characterized by authentic character voices and a focus on minority experiences, cover a range of genres. Notable titles include “All American Boys,” “Look Both Ways,” and “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You.”

• “All American Boys” (2015)
• “Look Both Ways” (2019)
• “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” (2020)