On the recordJanuary 20, 2010
I am pleased that this month Katherine Paterson of Barre, VT, has been named the 2010 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. Her books, which include ``A Bridge to Terabithia,'' ``Jacob Have I Loved,'' and ``Bread and Roses Too,'' motivate young readers to become excited about reading and understand struggles and joy in their own lives. She has long inspired readers in Vermont and across the country to make reading a daily part of their lives. Reading at a young age can have a dramatic impact on a child's ability to succeed and learn more than can be taught in a classroom. Despite what I witness at my local Vermont library, reading rates among children today are on the decline, which makes Ms. Paterson's role as National Ambassador even more crucial as she tours the country to attract new, young readers. I cannot think of a better suited choice for this challenging role, and I congratulate her on her appointment.
