LeVar Burton Takes Over as National Book Awards Host, Replacing Drew Barrymore

LeVar Burton will replace Drew Barrymore as the host of the National Book Awards ceremony in November. Burton, who recently served as honorary chair of Banned Books Week, expressed his excitement to support literature in a time when the freedom to read is at risk. The event will feature guest speaker Oprah Winfrey and poet Rita Dove will receive a lifetime achievement medal. Barrymore was fired due to the resumption of her show's production.