Burton hosted the event, recognizing outstanding people and works in the literature industry. Drew Barrymore was initially chosen as host of this year’s event. However, the actress was replaced when she faced public backlash after deciding to keep her talk show going during the SAG-AFTRA strike.

Burton has received numerous accolades for his contribution to literature. Among his many honors, the former Reading Rainbow host was named the 2023 honorary chair of Banned Books Week. As he spoke out against the effort to ban certain books from schools, Burton said freedom “feels especially fraught in this global political moment.”

“On the home front, we are fighting for control of truth and how we interpret truth in this country,” Burton said. “Books are being banned, words are being silenced, and writers and others who champion books are under attack.”

Burton also paid tribute to his mother, an English teacher. The beloved TV personality said his mother taught him that “if you can read in at least one language, you are, by her definition, free.”

Moms for Liberty

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