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2023 Winner

Jason Reynolds is the recipient of the 2023 Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring his significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens for “When I was the Greatest”, “The Boy in the Black Suit”, “All American Boys”, “Ghost” and “Long Way Down”. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the ¹ú²úÊÓƵÍø (ALA), announced the award today during the ALA’s LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience held January 27-30, in New Orleans.

In his writing, Jason Reynolds presents teens with authentic mirrors and windows to the world. “When I was the Greatest” depicts how Ali, Needles, and Noodles’ new friendship changes as they navigate their busy, vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood.
Matt is “The Boy in the Black Suit,” a teen whose job in a local funeral home helps him begin the healing process after his mother’s death. “All American Boys,” coauthored by Brendan Kiely, addresses themes of police brutality and white privilege when Rashad is attacked by a police officer and Quinn has to decide whether or not to remain silent. “Ghost,” newest member of the Defenders track team, learns how to stop running from his past and start running toward his future. “Long Way Down” follows Will on his journey down an elevator while he considers avenging his brother’s death. Each of Reynolds’ books creates opportunities for discussion and reflection among teens.

2023 Committee Members

Members of the 2023 Edwards Committee are: Chair Joni Bodart, San Jose State University School of Information, Stockton, California; Sarah Carpenter, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Brook Park, Ohio; Candace Fox, Parma, Ohio; Susan Polos, Greenwich Country Day School, Connecticut; and Celeste Swanson, The Lane Libraries, Richmond, Indiana.