In 2016, Booked was named one of the best books of the year by Kirkus Reviews. In 2014, The Crossover was named one of the best books of the year by Kirkus Reviews and Shelf Awareness. The Undefeated is also an IndieBound bestseller. The Crossover, Booked, Out of Wonder, Solo, Becoming Mohammed Ali, The Undefeated, and The Door of No Return are New York Times bestselling books. Two known awards are The 2017 Pat Conroy Legacy Award (this award honors the example of beloved author Pat Conroy and recognizes writers who have achieved a lasting impact on their literary community) and his verse novel The Crossover won the 2015 Newbery Medal and was selected as an Honor book for the Coretta Scott King Award. Awards and honors Īlexander received many awards as a writer. The Door of No Return a historical verse novel set in Ghana in 1861 told from the perspective of eleven year old, Koffi was inspired by his visits to Ghana.

He is a regular contributor to National Public Radio's Morning Edition program. Īlexander runs the Bookinaday program to introduce children to writing and publishing. He won a 2020 Newbery Honor for his illustrated poem The Undefeated. Books Īlexander's picture book Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band, was selected for the 2014 'Michigan Reads! One State, One Children's Book' program. Fortunately he took a writing class with award-winning poet, Nikki Giovanni. His father was a scholar and book publisher and his mother was an educator so he was always surronded by books.Īlexander attended Virginia Tech, where he began premedical studies. Kwame Alexander (born August 21, 1968) is an American writer of poetry and children's fiction.Īlexander was born in Manhattan, New York, and grew up in Virginia.

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