2008 Teen Read Week Spokesperson

Josh Hutcherson

Photo by Mike Rosenthal

In his short career, 15-year-old Josh Hutcherson has worked with many of Hollywood’s finest actors and directors. Josh has appeared in many movies, including Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D, RV, and Bridge to Terabithia. He recently finished filming Cirque du Freak, based on the popular series by Darren Shan. Josh lives with his mom, dad and his younger brother Connor, in Kentucky. He took a few minutes from his busy schedule to talk to YALSA about being the 2008 Teen Read Week spokesperson.

Thanks so much for talking to us! Why did you decide to become the Teen Read Week 2008 spokesperson?

I think it's important for teens to realize that reading is very important in everything that you do.

What are some of your favorite books?

I really like some of the older classics like Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird.

How has reading helped you become a movie star?

Well, I have to read a lot of scripts first of all. Also, reading helps you learn about the type of character that you are going to play. For example, if you are going to play a role of someone who lived in the 18th century, you have to read about life back then in order to understand your character.

Our theme this year is Book with Bite @ your library. What would be your favorite Book with Bite?

I would say it would have to be "Cirque du Freak", for a couple of reasons.  One, it's a vampire book, hence the word "bite" and two it's edgy and when I think of something with a bite I think of edgy.

You’re going to star in Cirque du Freak. What should fans of Darren Shan expect from the film?

I hope that they are open to it being a little different. So often people expect the movie to be identical. Well, when you're making a movie it's obviously more visual that a books so sometimes you have to add stuff or enhance a character to make it more exciting on a visual note. Plus it's fun to compare and contrast a book and a movie. I think Shan fans will enjoy the enhancements.

A lot of teens don’t like to read. How would you encourage them to read?

I would say that the most important thing is, when you are reading for fun, you should seek out a book about a subject matter that you really enjoy. That way you won't get bored with it. Somet imes you have to read certain things for school but away from that you might really like to read if you just pick something you like.

What’s your favorite part of being an actor?

Probably getting to travel all over the world and meet a lot of new people.  I've made so many friends, everywhere I work, so now it's like I have friends all over the world. 

Thanks so much for talking to us and for being the Teen Read Week 2008 Spokesperson!