Kwame Alexander is a well-known author of young adult and children's fiction, as well as a poet. He first gained recognition for his work with the Newbery Medal-winning novel, "The Crossover," which was published in 2014. Since then, he has written over 20 books, including picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult novels.
In addition to his work as an author, Alexander is also an educator and poet who is passionate about introducing the art of writing and literary works to school-aged children. He believes that poetry has the power to change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people. Alexander has even started the PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program, which is released by Scholastic, to help young people get started with writing and publishing.
Alexander is a regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the United States and has traveled the world to promote literacy and plant "seeds of literary love." He has led delegations of writers and activists to countries such as Ghana, where they have delivered books, built libraries, and provided professional development to teachers. In 2018, he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an international literacy program he co-founded.
In addition to his work as an author and educator, Alexander is also a publisher and the Founding Editor of VERSIFY, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, the Coretta Scott King Author Honor, and the NAACP Image Award Nominations. His latest book is "Light for the World to See: A Thousand Words on Race and Hope."