On March 19, the Bronx Library Center had the honor to host Jason Reynolds. Jason is the winner of the John Steptoe Award for his book, When I Was the Greatest, and author of the critically acclaimed The Boy In the Black Suit.  During his visit Jason spoke about his childhood in Washington D.C., his love for music, poetry, and of course writing!

I had the opportunity to interview Jason after his event at the Bronx Library Center, and got to learn about his writing style, sense of style, and a little more.

A little birdy told me you get off the train, walk four blocks to your house, talking to yourself, repeating character names/plots. Why don’t you just carry a notebook around?!

The honest answer as to why I don't carry a notebook around, is because every time in the past when I've done so, I  NEVER have a pen to actually write anything. I'm way too disorganized to keep track of both paper and pen.

Do you think it matters if teenagers  think you’re cool, especially teenage boys, the hardest population to get into reading?

It totally matters to me that teenagers think I'm cool. I mean, teens keep their fingers on the pulse of culture. When things shift, it's usually because they shift them. They call the shots. So if teenagers think I'm cool, then hopefully they'll want to get down with whatever I'm doing. My hope is that reading and writing becomes the new "waiting in line to buy Jordans."

What does the campaign #weneeddiversebooks mean to Jason Reynolds?

#weneeddiversebooks, to me, simple means, we are fighting for inclusivity in terms of the stories that are told. That's all. Inclusivity. Everybody, everywhere, everything.

When its time to write what do you need in your surroundings? Is there a specific time of day you write? Or is it whenever the writing bug hits you?

I definitely can't wait around for some writing bug to hit me. Hahaha! Nothing would ever get written. I treat it like my job, because it technically is. I get up around seven and head to the local coffee shop where I write for about six or seven hours, five days a week. I prefer there to be a little noise in the background, which is why I go to the coffee shop, and I find it really difficult to write at home because everything that I love, is in my apartment. So it's way too easy to get distracted.

Any similarities between Jason the teenager, and Matt in The Boy In The Black Suit?

Matt is totally like me. Not exactly, but we definitely share many characteristics. I love to cook. I hate to take pictures. When I was teenager, I never could "kick game." I was more of the, laid back, get to know you type. I also suck at chess.

The theme for the upcoming summer reading is “Superheroes.” Your favorite Superheroes or a person you consider to be your superhero?

My mom is my superhero. Her superpower — emotional fortitude. The lady is incredible.

Describe your sense of style?

My sense of style is simple and sophisticated and comfortable. I really like shapes and layers and subtlety. I have most of my clothes made, just because I'm so particular about the way things fit. Right now, I'm wearing all black, which has been interesting. I've been doing it for almost a year, just as a form of fasting. It's saved me tons of money, and allowed me to put the mental energy it takes to get dressed, into my work. Plus, whether I'm dressed down, or dressed up, I'm always chic.