Book discussion: Best-selling author Jason Reynolds comes to College of Wooster

WOOSTER − Students, staff and community members filled the pews of McGaw Chapel on the College of Wooster campus Thursday night to listen to New York Times best-selling author Jason Reynolds.

Founders Day celebration: College of Wooster hosts charity drive for OneEighty in honor of Founders Day

Reynolds, who was invited to speak as part of the Peter Mortensen lecture program, has written several award-winning books, received countless awards and is the 2020-2022 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature.

He was invited to talk about his book, “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” which he co-wrote with Ibram X. Kendi. The book, which came out in the spring of 2020, was assigned for summer reading for the class of 2026.

A departure from Reynold's fiction-based children's novels, this book explores the history of some "racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future," according to the publishing company Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Questions and discussion topics came from the students and led Reynolds to not only talk about the writing process, but also what he hopes people can pull from the book.

Who is New York Times best-selling author Jason Reynolds?

Born in Washington, D.C. In 1983 and raised by his mom in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Reynolds was inspired by rap music growing up and wrote his first pieces of poetry at the age of 9.

He published his first novel, “When I Was The Greatest," in 2014, after graduating from the University of Maryland with a bachelor's in English.

Reynolds has authored 17 books — from fiction to autobiographical — many award winning, including a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, an NAACP Image Award and multiple Coretta Scott King honors.

Raising money and awareness: Hundreds turn out, raise money for Wayne Heart Walk and local heart health needs

Reynolds answers questions about his books, writing style

Reynolds told students he tries to make his books “palatable” and “easy to read” for any audience so they are accessible to everyone. Growing up, he felt most English texts seemed to be written by and for scholars.

At the same time, Reynolds said, he doesn’t hold anything back when he writes because he respects his readers and wants them to understand that.

Talking about suicide: Family shares Bryce's story to help others

While Reynolds said he knows that not all his messages will resonate with people, he continues to write and use his books to educate those who he want to learn and grow.

When asked what he hopes readers can take away from this book, Reynolds said he hopes people continue to read and exchange each other's stories while putting in the work to grow every day.

Contact Rachel Karas at rkaras@gannett.com

Twitter: @RachelKaras3

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Author Jason Reynolds visits College of Wooster for Q&A with students