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the ceremony in 2019 as well.br Originally, Drew Barrymore was scheduled to host the br 2023 show, but the offer was rescinded after she said br she would bring back her talk show amid ongoing strikes.br The National Book Awards is an br evening dedicated to celebrating br the power of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.