National Ambassador for Young People's Literature is a literary honor presented bi-annually by the Library of Congress to an author or illustrator who is a U.S. citizen and who has made a substantial contribution to young people's literature.[1] The position was established in 2008. More than an award, ambassador's during their tenure help communicate to children about books and reading, thus selection criteria includes being an effective communicator, dynamic personality and ability to work with children.[1] The position is modeled in part on the British equivalent Children's Laureate, which was established in 1999.