Ambassador for Young Spreads a Love of Books

Also: A question from Russia about a religious group called the Old Believers. And music by Whitney Houston. Transcript of radio broadcast:

14 January 2010

Welcome to AMERICAN MOSAIC in VOA Special English.

(MUSIC)

I'm Doug Johnson.

This week on our program we listen to music from superstar Whitney Houston ...

And answer a question about the Old Believers religious group ...

But first, we meet a new ambassador in Washington whose wants to spread the message that reading is fun.

(MUSIC)

Katherine Paterson

HOST:

If you are over the age of thirty you may not have heard of Katherine Paterson. But if you are under that age chances are good that you have. In fact, you might have read one of her many award-winning books. Or maybe you saw the movie version of her book, "Bridge to Terabithia." Now, the United States government has awarded Katherine Paterson a new job. Mario Ritter has more.

MARIO RITTER:

Katherine PatersonEarlier this month, the United States Library of Congress named Katherine Paterson the national ambassador for young people's literature.

She is only the second person to hold the position. She replaces writer Jon Scieszka, who had served since two thousand eight.

The librarian of Congress, James Billington, said Miz Paterson "represents the finest in literature for young people." He spoke of national as well as international praise for her writing. Mister Billington said she would speak to the importance of reading in the lives of America's young people.