Jason Reynolds on Music, Reading and Writing

Jason Reynolds on Music, Reading and Writing

From The Book Case by ABC News | Charlie Gibson, Kate Gibson

April 23, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

Jason Reynolds discusses his latest book 'Soundtrack' and the significance of young adult literature.

Jason Reynolds is one of the best young adult writers of our generation. But don’t let the label fool you into thinking that young adult writing hasn’t provided some of the most important books in the American Literary Canon (Catcher in the Rye? To Kill a Mockingbird?). His latest, Soundtrack, explores the life of teenagers busking great music in New York subway stations. It is also about the fact that even though we are born into a family that never leaves us, our chosen family of friends is just as important. Funny, gritty and brilliantly written, this is a book that brings to you all the sights and smells of New York City, both above and underground. Jason speaks so beautifully also about writing and the importance of reading…well, we got addicted to just listening to him. Join us and you will see why. Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this week's show: Soundtrack by Jason Reynolds Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds All American Boys by Jason Reynolds Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds Miles Morales, Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds…

People in this episode

Hosts: Charlie Gibson, Kate Gibson

Guest: Jason Reynolds

Topics covered

  • young adult literature
  • writing
  • reading
  • New York City
  • music
  • friendship

Keywords

  • Jason Reynolds
  • Soundtrack
  • young adult literature
  • New York subway
  • writing
  • reading

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Soundtrack, Long Way Down, All American Boys, Look Both Ways, Miles Morales, Spider-Man, The Boy in the Black Suit, When I was the Greatest, As Brave as You, Ghost, Coach

More episodes of The Book Case

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Book Case podcast page.