Two-time Newbery Medal winner Katherine Paterson writes of children in crisis, at the crossroads of major decisions in their lives. Her books have received critical acclaim, have been published in 22 languages and have been made into movies and plays.

“Katherine Paterson represents the finest in literature for young people,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington.

It was with the utmost confidence that he named the author the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Paterson will serve in the position during 2010 and 2011; she succeeds Jon Scieszka, appointed in 2008, who was the first person to hold the title. Paterson has chosen “Read for Your Life” as the theme for her platform.

The Librarian of Congress names the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature to a two-year term, based on recommendations from a selection committee representing many segments of the book community. The selection criteria include the candidate’s contribution to young people’s literature and ability to relate to children. The position was created to raise national awareness of the importance of young people’s literature as it relates to lifelong literacy, education, and the development and betterment of the lives of young people.

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Children’s Book Council (CBC), and the CBC foundation Every Child a Reader are the sponsors of the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature initiative.

Paterson’s international fame rests not only on her widely acclaimed novels but also on her efforts to promote literacy in the United States and abroad. A two-time winner of the Newbery Medal ("Bridge to Terabithia" and "Jacob Have I Loved") and the National Book Award ("The Great Gilly Hopkins" and "The Master Puppeteer"), she has received many other accolades for her body of work, including the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, given by her home state of Vermont. The Library also named Paterson a Living Legend in 2000.

In 2001, Paterson was a featured author at the National Book Festival. She returned to the festival in 2008 to discuss her collaboration on the book “Our White House: Looking In, Looking Out.” Paterson has also contributed to the Library’s serial book “The Exquisite Corpse Adventure.”