When I saw that Alexander had written a poetry book for young readers, I knew it was a must read for me. I’m sure by reading his work to myself, I do not do it justice, which speaks to how gifted a talent he is.
Alexander has given educational workshops and written professional resources about writing how I would love to have been in attendance at his book readings and workshops. Alexander is writing for teens so I can only imagine how much his poetry in motion, onomatopoeic style fosters a love of reading in young people. I have read his poetic stories Booked and Crossover and was mesmerized by them and have Rebound on tap to read next. He has encouraged adolescent readers to enjoy reading at a time in their lives when they would rather be plugged in 24/7. Yet, I am determined to finish my 2019 challenge with a bang, and that requires me to pick up children’s books in between the nonfiction in order for me to return to the thrills of reading to read. Over the course of 2019, I have read a lot of nonfiction for a challenge and have enjoyed it, but it is tedious and in 2020 I intend to scale back and pick up fiction again, and, needless to say, I am looking forward. With exquisite illustrations, kids can imagine the world at their fingertips when being exposed to such books, and so do I.
My youngest daughter has been reading on her own for over four years now, and I miss the thrill of looking for picture books in the children’s section of the library to read to her. Sorry, kids, but it’s almost Herschel time. They teased me for getting giddy to watch the Sesame Street anniversary special last week and roll their eyes when I quote family favorite children’s books. My kids have accused me of being the most “kid-like” adult they know. Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. His other works include Surf's Up, a picture book Booked, a middle grade novel and He Said She Said, a YA novel.
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author of 21 books, including The Crossover, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and the Passaic Poetry Prize.
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