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The Library of Congress has named graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang as the national ambassador for young people's literature.

The library joined the Children's Book Council and Every Child a Reader to announce the appointment Monday. An inaugural ceremony is planned Thursday.

Yang, the first graphic novelist to be named to the post, won the Michael L. Printz Award for "American Born Chinese," and is a two-time National Book Award finalist. He says reading breaks down walls and helps people get to know people outside of their own communities.

Yang will travel the nation over his two-year term showing kids and teens that reading is a vital part of their lives. He will also speak to parents, teachers and librarians about how to help young people love reading.

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Gene Luen Yang is a two-time National Book Award finalist. He is the first graphic novelist to be named to the post.

Courtesy of Macmillan

'American Born Chinese' by Gene Luen Yang

Graphic novelist named ambassador for young people's lit

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