New York Times bestselling author Walter Dean Myers was recently named the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. Myers is the first African American to take the post.

“Walter Dean Myers is one of America’s preeminent authors of books for young people,” Dr. Billington said in a press release. “He is a lifelong advocate for reading for young people, and he has practiced what he preaches in schools and detention centers across the country.”

A five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Award and two-time recipient of the Newbery Honors, the author will serve the position until 2013. Myers will succeed Katherine Paterson.

Myers has chosen for his motto "Reading Is Not Optional."