Redefining Youthful Rebellion: YA Authors on Social Justice

“I think young people have something to say, and I think that they do the best they can to say it and  sometimes the language isn’t there, but we as adults have an obligation and a responsibility to hear the things that aren’t being said–and to help them carve the language, to better help them express themselves… we can let them lead. We can fortify them to help them lead… but we also can be taught and guided as adults.”

–Jason Reynolds, Newbery Medal winner

Each and every day is an opportunity for change. In this panel at last month’s BookCon event, young adult authors Jacqueline Woodson (Brown Girl Dreaming), Jason Reynolds (Long Way Down), and Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give) join activist DeRay Mckesson (On the Other Side of Freedom: The Case for Hope) to explore social justice and positive representation in young adult lit, and how their work redefines our ideas about youth in the resistance. Moderated by author Kwame Alexander. Filmed at BookCon 2018.

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