Introduction

Years ago, I had the opportunity for a chat room conversation with Kate DiCamillo, and I have been following the award-winning author’s career ever since.  I was delighted to learn that she was available for an email interview about her books and her new role as the 2014-2015 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.  The interview is in two parts: The first focuses on Kate DiCamillo’s role as ambassador and the second focuses on her writing and her books, including the illustrations and working with an editor.

As a preface to my interview with Kate about her new role, I did some background research to learn more about the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature initiative.  Here’s what I learned, followed by my interview questions and Kate’s responses.

Background Information

The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature position was established in 2008 to bring national attention to young people’s literature and its importance, not only in terms of literacy and education but also in terms of bettering each young person’s life.  Each ambassador is chosen by a committee made up of members of the book community and the selection is announced by the Librarian of Congress. Ambassadors serve for a term of two years.  There are three sponsors of the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature program: The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress; the Children's Book Council (CBC); and Every Child a Reader (ECAR).

The first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature was Jon Scieczka, who served in 2008 and 2009.

Katherine Patterson then served in 2010 and 2011.  As the fourth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, serving in 2014 and 2015, Kate DiCamillo succeeds Walter Dean Myers, the 2012-2013 ambassador.

What was your initial reaction to being asked to be the 2014-2015 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature?

Oh, you know me.  I was intimidated.  Overwhelmed.  But I also felt this certainty.  That this was something that truly mattered and that I needed to do it. 

Have you talked to any of the previous ambassadors about their experiences?

I am friends with both Jon and Katherine (I just met Walter!) and I watched all of them do this.  And when we were all together in D.C., I asked them questions.  They are (all 3 of them) my role models. 

I understand the theme of your term as ambassador is “Stories connect us.” Please expand on that in terms of what you mean and how it will influence what you do as ambassador.

I mean that stories are a way for us to see each other.  And I mean that when we read together (in large groups or small groups) it gives us a chance to connect in a deeper, more meaningful way.  Something magical happens when we read together.  

So, as ambassador, I would like to be a part of communities that have come together around a book.  

One of my readers, Terry Doherty, said, “I would love to know what she thinks the gaps are in getting parents to ‘buy in’ on the joy of reading.” Her comment also made me wonder in what ways you plan to focus on that while you are ambassador.

I think what is missing, for some people, is the *joy* in reading together.  Too often reading is presented (to both parents and kids) as a necessary task.  It's a privilege to read.  It is a joy to read together. 

What are some of the activities you’ll be involved in as the 2014-2015 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature?

 The Children's Book Council will field appearance requests and help design programs all over the country that center around the idea of reading together.  

What do you hope to accomplish during your term as ambassador?  

I want to remind people of what they already know instinctually: that reading together is a powerful thing.

To Learn More

To learn more about several of the previous National Ambassadors for Young People’s Literature, read my interview with Jon Scieszka and my brief biography of Jon Scieszka, and the articles about Walter Dean Myers by librarian Jennifer Kendall.

To learn more about Kate DiCamillo, read my second 2014 interview with Kate DiCamillo about her writing and her books.