POET. CHILDREN'S AUTHOR. TEACHER. COOL DUDE.
Kwame Alexander has written 14 books, owned several publishing companies, written for the stage and television (TLC's "Hip Hop Harry"), recorded a CD, performed around the world, produced jazz and book festivals, hosted a weekly radio show, worked for the U.S. Government, and taught in a high school. Recently, Kwame visited Africa (Ghana) for the first time. Check out his blog here.
But, what he loves to do most, is watch his two daughters become smart and beautiful woman, listen to his brilliant and wonderful wife laugh, and sit in his library reading and writing poems about both of them. He resides in the Washington, DC area, where he is the Founding Director of Book-in-a-Day (BID), a program that teaches and empowers teenagers to write and publish their own books. His new children's book, which he wrote during a summer in Tuscany, is about a jazz playing Rooster.
When a jazz-loving rooster sets his sights on winning a barnyard talent show, he realizes he can't do it as a solo act. He's up against the talents of Mules Davis's cool duo and Ella Finchgerald's singing group. Witty verse from Kwame Alexander, and colorful artwork from New York Times Bestselling artist Tim Bowers, ensures Acoustic Rooster doesn't miss a beat. A glossary of musical terms and instruments rounds out this perfect introduction to jazz for young readers. Published by Sleeping Bear Press, the book is available (Sept. 2011) wherever books are sold and on Amazon.
Kwame is available for poetry performances, school visits, vegan food tastings, all-expense paid trips abroad (or aboard; he likes cruises)...
Every teacher has come to the media center today to rave, absolutely RAVE about your poetry sessions and about you! We have never seen the students relate so well and respond so completely to anyone! You have inspired us. Truly, you were a gift to our students and staff!!! —Kathy Allen, Librarian and Media Director Oscar Smith High School, Chesapeake, VA
If I can have a literary son, I like to think it is Kwame Alexander. Hard worker; truth seeker; soul sharer. —Nikki Giovanni (below, with Kwame)
Two New Honors for Kwame's new children's book Acoustic Rooster... Kwame was nominated for a 2012 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children's Book. He didn't win, but he had tons of fun walking the red carpet...Rooster was selected as a 2013/2014 Choose to Read Ohio title by the State Library of Ohio, and the Ohio Public Libraries.
But, what he loves to do most, is watch his two daughters become smart and beautiful woman, listen to his brilliant and wonderful wife laugh, and sit in his library reading and writing poems about both of them. He resides in the Washington, DC area, where he is the Founding Director of Book-in-a-Day (BID), a program that teaches and empowers teenagers to write and publish their own books. His new children's book, which he wrote during a summer in Tuscany, is about a jazz playing Rooster.
When a jazz-loving rooster sets his sights on winning a barnyard talent show, he realizes he can't do it as a solo act. He's up against the talents of Mules Davis's cool duo and Ella Finchgerald's singing group. Witty verse from Kwame Alexander, and colorful artwork from New York Times Bestselling artist Tim Bowers, ensures Acoustic Rooster doesn't miss a beat. A glossary of musical terms and instruments rounds out this perfect introduction to jazz for young readers. Published by Sleeping Bear Press, the book is available (Sept. 2011) wherever books are sold and on Amazon.
Kwame is available for poetry performances, school visits, vegan food tastings, all-expense paid trips abroad (or aboard; he likes cruises)...
Every teacher has come to the media center today to rave, absolutely RAVE about your poetry sessions and about you! We have never seen the students relate so well and respond so completely to anyone! You have inspired us. Truly, you were a gift to our students and staff!!! —Kathy Allen, Librarian and Media Director Oscar Smith High School, Chesapeake, VA
If I can have a literary son, I like to think it is Kwame Alexander. Hard worker; truth seeker; soul sharer. —Nikki Giovanni (below, with Kwame)
