Books that fortify the young also have a power to help heal adults; so, too, does this conversation with writer Jason Reynolds. He is the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature of the Library of Congress and author of a new companion to Ibram X. Kendi’s history of racism, Stamped From the Beginning, for young readers.

Jason Reynolds was appointed National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress in January 2020. His many award-winning books include Ghost, Long Way Down, and Look Both Ways. His most recent book is Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You.

This interview is edited and produced with music and other features in the On Being episode “Jason Reynolds — Fortifying Imagination.” Find more at onbeing.org.