Jason Reynolds, bestselling author for young readers, speaking at Buffalo State May 1

Jason Reynolds, the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books for young people, is speaking at Buffalo State University at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 1, in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall.

Buffalo State’s Professional Development School (PDS) consortium organized the event and invited more than 400 students from eight local schools. An additional 50 tickets were given to Fatima Morrell, the Buffalo Public Schools associate superintendent of culturally and linguistically responsive initiatives, to bring students from various Buffalo Public Schools. All seats are taken for this free event, and it is not open to the public.

Reynolds’s books include “Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks”; “All American Boys”; “Long Way Down”; “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You”; and “Ghost,” a National Book Award Finalist for Young People's Literature. The recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, an NAACP Image Award, and multiple Coretta Scott King honors, Reynolds is also the current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. He resides in Washington, D.C.

“We are eager to welcome Jason Reynolds to our campus,” said Julie Henry, professor of elementary education, literacy, and educational leadership. “We know that he will offer engaging conversations about relevant issues for our audience of diverse middle school students while fostering an interest in reading.”

Buffalo State provided mini-grants to schools within the PDS to purchase class sets of Reynolds’s books and prepare for his visit. Buffalo State teacher candidates are also using the books to learn about literature circles, teaching writing, and creating resources.