LeVar Burton to host National Book Awards after Drew Barrymore dropped

Drew Barrymore was originally announced as host but was dropped due to controversy over her show's production during the writers' strike.
LeVar Burton, known for "Reading Rainbow" and promoting literacy, will host the ceremony on November 15th instead.
Burton previously hosted the awards in 2019 and was praised as a strong advocate for reading.
The ceremony will feature Oprah Winfrey as a special guest and honor poet Rita Dove with a lifetime achievement award.
Barrymore apologized for the controversy and paused her show's premiere until the strike concludes.