Jason Reynolds's interest in hip-hop and poetry turned into a successful writing career. The New York Times best-selling author has received a Newbery Honor, an NAACP Image Award, and many other accolades. People love reading his poetry, picture books, and novels. Reynolds served three years as the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. He told students stories and passed the mic so they could tell their own. Although he wasn't a reader, Reynolds started writing at nine years old. Rap inspired his work. Reynolds's poetry helped his family understand their feelings when they lost loved ones. It wasn't until he was seventeen years old that he read his first book cover to cover. He thought books were boring and didn't reflect his experience. He finally found books that were exciting and that spoke to him. Reynolds now writes thrilling books that young people enjoy reading. Learn more about the author and his work.