LeVar Burton , to Host National Book Awards.<br />NPR reports that LeVar Burton will replace <br />Drew Barrymore as the host of the <br />2023 National Book Awards.<br />It's an honor to return as host <br />of the biggest night for books, <br />especially in a moment when <br />the freedom to read is at risk, LeVar Burton, via NPR.<br />The actor and podcaster, who <br />has long been an advocate for reading, <br />hosted the ceremony in 2019 as well.<br />The actor and podcaster, who <br />has long been an advocate for reading, <br />hosted the ceremony in 2019 as well.<br />Originally, Drew Barrymore was scheduled to host the <br />2023 show, but the offer was rescinded after she said <br />she would bring back her talk show amid ongoing strikes.<br />The National Book Awards is an <br />evening dedicated to celebrating <br />the power of literature, and the <br />incomparable contributions <br />of writers to our culture. , National Book Foundation statement, via NPR.<br />Our commitment is to ensure <br />that the focus of the Awards <br />remains on celebrating writers <br />and books, and we are grateful <br />to Ms. Barrymore and her team for <br />their understanding in this situation, National Book Foundation statement, via NPR.<br />Burton is best known for his 'Star Trek' <br />role as Geordi La Forge in addition to <br />hosting 'Reading Rainbow' on PBS.<br />In 1977, Burton had his breakout role playing <br />Kunta Kinte in the television adaptation of <br />'Roots,' based on Alex Haley's 1976 novel.<br />In 1977, Burton had his breakout role playing <br />Kunta Kinte in the television adaptation of <br />'Roots,' based on Alex Haley's 1976 novel.<br />Currently, Burton hosts the <br />'LeVar Burton Reads' podcast, reading <br />short fiction by different authors.<br />Earlier this month, the National Book Awards announced <br />the finalists for this year, with the winners to be <br />revealed at the ceremony held on November 15
