Jason Reynolds Wants to Reconsider the Literary Canon — and How Schools Teach Shakespeare (Exclusive)

In a candid conversation with PEOPLE, esteemed author Jason Reynolds has expressed his desire to rethink how literature is taught in schools, particularly regarding classic texts like those of Shakespeare. With a keen focus on enhancing literacy and engaging young readers, Reynolds shared his insights during an exclusive interview, where he also discussed his newly released book, *Soundtrack*.

Reynolds, who served as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature from 2020 to 2022, has been a fervent advocate for the importance of literature in the lives of young individuals. While discussing literary education, he acknowledged a transformation in his own stance towards classic literature. “I used to be a person who was anti-classic, and now I really don’t know if that’s how I feel,” he confessed. He recognises that while many classic novels are exceptional works of art, their effectiveness in teaching contemporary literacy is questionable.

“I just think we have to be honest about where we are culturally,” Reynolds stated. He posited that although some classic works are valuable as historical texts, they often fail to resonate with today’s young readers, making them less effective in promoting literacy and engagement. In Reynolds’ view, the challenge lies in how these works are presented within the educational system, a concern he feels deeply passionate about addressing.

Despite his reservations, Reynolds supports the teaching of classics as a means of comparative literature, encouraging students to explore the evolution of literary styles over time. He is particularly enthusiastic about presenting Shakespeare’s plays, albeit with a creative twist. “I think we should teach Shakespeare, but only as theatre,” he asserted, advocating for performances rather than readings as a way to bring the playwright’s work to life. “Young people should see it. I think they’d understand it and love it if they could see it.”

Reynolds suggests that if students were made aware of the theatrical and often sensational nature of Shakespearean narratives, they might find themselves more drawn into the material. He highlighted the influence of Shakespeare on contemporary storytelling and how modern movies and television often echo the playwright’s themes. “Most of their lives that they live every day is some strange spin of a Shakespearean trope,” he noted, indicating that reinforcing these connections could spark interest among young audiences.

The author also emphasised the broader importance of reading, underscoring the need to encourage children to connect with literature in any form. “We still need to continue to tell them and hear them and read,” Reynolds stressed, recognising the power of storytelling in shaping human experiences. He believes every person has a unique story to share, and instilling that awareness in young minds is crucial.

Reynolds’ latest work, *Soundtrack*, follows a group of teenagers in New York City whose band unexpectedly rises to fame. The book, which was initially released as an audiobook, tackles complex topics and aims to provide an authentic perspective on the ups and downs of adolescence. He explained that his role as an author is to approach such themes with care and compassion. “My job is to be responsible enough and loving enough to tell the truth. But also to tell it in a way where it feels safe enough to wrestle with,” he remarked.

In a world that often underestimates the intellectual and emotional capacities of young readers, Reynolds passionately defends the notion that today’s youth are more than capable of grappling with intricate ideas and narratives. “It’s an insult to the children of the world to know that there are people who believe that they don’t have the intellectual or emotional capacity to wrestle with complex ideas,” he stated firmly, emphasizing that many young individuals are already navigating intricately layered lives.

As he navigates the landscape of modern literature and education, Reynolds hopes to inspire both students and educators to rethink their approach to reading and engage more thoroughly with the classics—now reimagined and presented in a manner that reflects contemporary relevance. His latest work, *Soundtrack*, is now widely available, and Reynolds continues to champion the idea that every story holds immense value, both in the past and the present.