Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander is the New York Times bestselling author of 35 books, including The Undefeated, The Write Thing and Rebound which was shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal, as well as The Crossover which won the Newbery medal for the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for children.

Kwame strongly believes in the power of poetry and literature to inspire, engage and empower young people, and this belief is the guiding force behind the #AllBooksForAllKids initiative he created in partnership with Follett.

He is the Founding Editor of Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt that aims to Change the World One Word at a Time.

  • John Newbery Medal winner 2015
  • Carnegie Medal shortlist
  • Winner of The Coretta Scott King Award

Praise for The Undefeated

Alexander's magnificent anthem to the courage and genius of black Americans is paired with stunning portraits by Nelson

Publishers Weekly, Best Children’s and YA Books of 2019

Did you know…

  • Kwame writes in a studio he built a few years ago. It has huge windows, a large painting of John Coltrane, 3000 books, heated floors, a blue couch, and a loft!

  • Kwame loves jazz!

  • Kwame has eaten snails, chocolate covered bugs, and grasscutter, which is like a big rat, but he’s never eaten frogs.

Find out more on Kwame Alexander's website

Watch:

Kwame Alexander challenges you to write a couplet. Watch his short workshop and get writing!

Kwame talks about reading, books, and his love of poetry

Have a look at some Kwame Alexander activities: