35 Interesting Facts about Jason Reynolds

Dan April 26, 2023

Jason Reynolds is an American author and poet known for his work in the young adult literature genre. He was born on December 6, 1983, in Washington, D.C., and grew up in neighboring Maryland. Reynolds attended the University of Maryland, where he studied English and later earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Reynolds’ writing is often characterized by its authenticity and focus on contemporary social issues. He has written numerous books for young adults, including “Ghost,” “Long Way Down,” and “All American Boys,” which was co-authored with Brendan Kiely. Reynolds has received numerous accolades for his work, including the Coretta Scott King Book Award, the Michael L. Printz Award, and a National Book Award nomination.

In addition to his writing, Reynolds is also a well-known advocate for literacy and education. He has served as an ambassador for the Library of Congress’s “Read Across America” program and has worked to promote the importance of reading and writing in underserved communities.

Jason Reynolds is a talented and influential voice in contemporary young adult literature. His work reflects the experiences and struggles of young people today and encourages readers to engage with important social issues. Through his writing and advocacy, Reynolds has made a significant impact on the literary world and beyond.

What about Jason Reynolds interesting facts? Here are 35 interesting facts about Jason Reynolds.

1. Jason Reynolds was born on December 6, 1983, in Washington, D.C.
2. He grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland, a suburb of D.C.
3. Reynolds attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where he studied English.
4. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Maryland, College Park.
5. Reynolds worked as a counselor for incarcerated youth in Washington, D.C., before becoming a full-time writer.
6. His first book, “My Name is Jason. Mine Too.,” was a collaborative project with his friend and fellow writer, Jason Griffin.
7. Reynolds’ debut novel, “When I Was the Greatest,” was published in 2014.
8. He has since written numerous books for young adults, including “Ghost,” “Long Way Down,” and “As Brave as You.”
9. Reynolds is known for his honest and authentic portrayals of contemporary social issues, including racism, gun violence, and police brutality.
10. His books have been translated into more than 20 languages.
11. Reynolds has won numerous literary awards, including the Coretta Scott King Book Award and the Michael L. Printz Award.
12. In 2017, he was named a National Book Award finalist for his novel “Long Way Down.”
13. Reynolds is a member of the advisory board for We Need Diverse Books, a nonprofit organization that promotes diversity in children’s and young adult literature.
14. He is also a founding member of the narrative change collective, Storytellers for Change.
15. Reynolds’ writing is often influenced by hip-hop music and culture.
16. He has cited Tupac Shakur, Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan as some of his favorite musicians.
17. Reynolds is a frequent speaker at schools, libraries, and literary festivals across the United States.
18. He has also given talks at the Library of Congress and the United Nations.
19. Reynolds is an advocate for literacy and education, particularly in underserved communities.
20. He has served as a national ambassador for the Library of Congress’s “Read Across America” program.
21. Reynolds is the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant,” which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and potential.
22. He is also a New York Times bestselling author.
23. Reynolds is a sports fan and enjoys playing basketball and watching football.
24. He has said that his favorite book as a child was “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak.
25. Reynolds often collaborates with other writers and artists, including illustrator Chris Priestley.
26. He has written several books with co-author Brendan Kiely, including “All American Boys” and “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You.”
27. “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” was named a Newbery Honor book in 2021.
28. Reynolds is a mentor to young writers and has taught writing workshops for organizations such as the PEN/Faulkner Foundation.
29. He has also taught creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania and Lesley University.
30. Reynolds has been interviewed by a number of media outlets, including The New York Times, NPR, and The Guardian.
31. He has been a guest on the television shows “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
32. Reynolds has said that his writing process involves a lot of revising and rewriting.
33. He often writes multiple drafts of a book before he is satisfied with the final product.
34. Reynolds has said that he is inspired by the resilience and creativity of young people.
35. He believes that reading and writing can help young people navigate difficult situations and empower them.

Jason Reynolds is a talented and influential writer who has made a significant impact on the literary world. His ability to connect with young readers and tackle difficult topics in his writing has made him a valuable voice in children’s and young adult literature. Reynolds’s accolades and accomplishments speak to the power of his storytelling and the importance of representation in literature. Whether you’re a longtime fan of his work or just discovering it, there’s no denying the impact that Jason Reynolds has had on the literary landscape, and his work is sure to continue to inspire and challenge readers for years to come.