Scribner Sets June Release for Jason Reynolds' Adult Debut 'Father, Father'

Jason Reynolds is leaving the world of children's literature to publish his first novel for adults. The book, titled "Father, Father," will be available to the public in June.

Scribner confirmed the release date on Wednesday. The story follows two brothers on a cross-country drive. They are processing the recent death of their father. The brothers hold different memories and feelings about their late parent.

Reynolds, 42, described the work as an intimate tale. He said the characters journey toward one another while confronting the truth that people can be both awful and graceful. He noted that his previous books focused on flawed adults who struggled to show the right kind of love. In this new story, those adults are the central focus.

Reynolds has spent more than a decade as a leading voice in youth literature. His prize-winning titles include "All American Boys," "Look Both Ways," and "Long Way Down." The Library of Congress named him National Ambassador for Young People's Literature in 2020. He served in that role through 2022.

His move to adult fiction joins a long line of prominent writers in the same field. Authors such as J.K. Rowling, Judy Blume, and John Green have also written for older audiences. Green's novel, "Hollywood, Ending," was released earlier this fall.

The publisher issued a statement regarding the book's themes. Reynolds emphasized that the adults in "Father, Father" are front and center, marking a distinct shift from his earlier secondary focus on adult characters in youth-oriented stories.