Bauder Book Talk: Jason Reynolds

Make sure you get a seat at this unforgettable event with Jason Reynolds, bestselling author of Long Way Down and Stamped. Jason speaks about his journey as a writer and engages with YOU in a live Q&A moderated by local teens. 

Reynolds received a MacArthur Foundation Grant in 2024. from his Foundation page: 

Jason Reynolds writes children’s and young adult literature that reflects the rich inner lives of kids of color and offers profound moments of human connection. With a poet’s ear for rhythm and a storyteller’s sense of narrative pacing and structure, Reynolds weaves humor, joy, and playfulness into his works. At the same time, he does not shy away from depicting the challenging realities of racism, economic inequity, police brutality, and grief for his young readers.  

Beyond the page, he is a dynamic champion of storytelling who inspires reluctant readers and the adults who teach and care for them. He travels the nation to connect with kids at their level and remind them that their personal narratives hold important truths, that they are worthy of appearing on the pages of the books we all read. An inventive author and captivating speaker, Reynolds ensures that kids see themselves in literature and empowers them to tell their own stories. 

Plus, you can participate as a moderator or enter our Creative Arts Competitions.  

Bauder Book Talks by Howard County Library System is made possible by a generous gift from Dr. Lillian Bauder, a community leader and Columbia resident. Howard County Library System will present an annual endowed author event, known as Bauder Book Talks, for underserved students in grades 6-8 attending public middle schools in Columbia with high percentages of African American and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students. Authors and titles selected are high-interest and high-quality on topics of social issues, equity, and related matters. Student participants have the opportunity to hear from and engage the author and receive a copy of the author’s book. The event honors the memory of Don Bauder, late husband of Dr. Lillian Bauder and a champion of civil rights and social justice causes. 

Registration is required for every attendee.