Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, Emmy Award-winning producer, and No. 1 New York Times bestselling author recognized for his contributions to children's and young adult literature. After initially studying biochemistry at Virginia Tech, Alexander shifted his focus to English and developed an interest in poetry under the guidance of professor and poet Nikki Giovanni. This experience led to a career spanning 45 books, including "Why Fathers Cry at Night," "The Mighty Macy," "Black Star," "J vs. K," the motivational primer "Say Yes," and "The Crossover," a Newbery Medal-winning novel adapted into an Emmy Award-winning series on Disney+.

Alexander gained national attention after receiving the Newbery Medal for "The Crossover," a novel written largely in free verse that blends basketball, poetry, and hip-hop. He served as executive producer, showrunner, and writer for the Disney+ adaptation of "The Crossover." Alexander is a regular contributor to NPR's "Morning Edition" and has received the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, the Coretta Scott King Author Honor, three NAACP Image Award nominations, and the Pat Conroy Legacy Award. His illustrated poem "The Undefeated" earned a Newbery Honor, while illustrator Kadir Nelson received the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for his work on the book.

Alexander established Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers, to publish unconventional works in children's literature. Versify focuses on innovative creators and stories that celebrate the lives and possibilities of all children. Alexander has collaborated with other authors, including James Patterson on "Becoming Muhammad Ali." He also published "Say Yes: Find Your Passion, Unlock Your Potential, and Transform Your Life," a book on creativity adapted from a commencement speech delivered at American University's School of Education.

As a literacy advocate, Alexander has developed the Book-in-a-Day literacy program, which has helped create more than 3,000 student authors at schools across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. He co-founded LEAP for Ghana and opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana. Alexander also founded One Word at a Time, a nonprofit supporting literacy, creative writing, and mentoring programs in schools and libraries. He is the co-creator and executive producer of the Emmy-nominated "Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band" and "Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams," a PBS KIDS special and series of shorts.

The American Library Association selected Alexander to deliver the Children's Literature Lecture during the ALA Youth Media Awards, recognizing his impact on children's literature and poetic storytelling. The Sine Institute for Policy and Politics at American University named Alexander as one of its fellows, highlighting his role in public conversations on policy and politics. Alexander's work in poetry, children's literature, and literacy advocacy continues to influence young readers, educators, and communities.