In my recent set of posts about Author Studies, I have been using Kate DiCamillo as an example. Dicamillo is a former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Each of her fellow ambassadors would also be a good subject for an Author Study. These authors have written a wide range of books, from picture books to novels.

Jon Scieszka. Scieszka’s “guys read” initiative is focused on connecting men and boys with literature that speaks to them. Often hilarious, his books usually have sci-fi or fantasy elements. Here’s his ambassador page.

Katherine Paterson. Paterson’s books are classics, including Bridge to Terabithia and Jacob I Have Loved. Several of her books are historical fiction. Here’s her ambassador page.

Walter Dean Myers. Myers’ work frequently tackles complex social issues through realistic contemporary fiction or historical fiction. Here is his ambassador page.

Kate DiCamillo. Not only does DiCamillo have books on every level, but she explores both fantasy and realistic fiction. Her animal-focused stories will be a welcome addition to many readers. Here is her ambassador page.

Gene Luen Yang, the first graphic novelist to serve as an ambassador. Although Yang has not written picture books, his graphic novels use humor to pull readers into contemporary and historical stories. In addition, his comic book would be a great avenue into reading for many fantasy-loving students. Here is his ambassador page.

Jacqueline Woodson. Woodson also served as the Young People’s Poet Laureate in 2015. Her books explore contemporary and historical themes. In addition, she has written a memoir for young people. Woodson’s initiative while serving as ambassador was called Reading = Hope X Change and she created activity kits to inspire readers. Here is her ambassador page.

Jason Reynolds. A personal favorite; if you only read one author on this list, let it be Reynolds. Please, for sure, check out his episode on Story Seed, where Reynolds transforms Irthan’s prompt into a story that has stuck with me for years. Funny, moving, and eclectic, Reynolds takes readers along for amazing rides in every one of his books. Here is his ambassador page.

Meg Medina. Multilingual ambassador Medina has several books published in Spanish. Her most recent novel, Graciela in the Abyss, is Medina’s first foray into fantasy. Her Merci Suraz books will be an enticing offer for students who like reading series books. Here is her ambassador page.

Mac Barnett. Our current ambassador, Mac Barnett, has an extensive number of picture books as well as some middle grade novels. His First Cat in Space series is a delight, including the wonderfully produced audiobooks. Barnett intends to focus on picture books in his tenure as ambassador. Here is his ambassador page.