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Black Love is Black Wealth: A Celebration of the Life and Works of Nikki Giovanni

June 8, 2025

Celebrating Nikki Giovanni

Join Kwame, Renee Watson, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech, and the collective world in celebrating the life and legacy of poet and scholar Nikki Giovanni.

Hosted by Virginia Tech at the Moss Arts Center on the university's campus, the event will be free and open to the public, but tickets will be required.

See the Upcoming Events page for more information as it becomes available.

SAY YES IN STORES ON APRIL 29TH!

Book Signings and Author Talks Begin April 15th!

Say Yes by Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander’s Say Yes is a meaningful manifesto that challenges readers to embrace the transformative power of “yes.” Adapted from Alexander’s inspiring commencement speech at American University, this book weaves personal stories, profound insights, and actionable wisdom into a must-read guide for anyone ready to fuel their passion, turn rejection into resilience, and unlock their potential.

Turning “No” into New Horizons. Kwame Alexander shares how every “no” shaped his path and fueled his determination. With insights into navigating the interplay of business and art, he reveals how to stay true to your passion while forging a fulfilling, successful life. This is a call to dreamers, creators, and change-makers: your dreams deserve your effort, even when the road gets tough.

The Power of Saying Yes. Through vibrant storytelling and motivational wisdom, Say Yes explores how one word can alter perceptions, open doors, and lead to unimagined possibilities. Whether writing a groundbreaking novel or stepping into the unknown, Alexander’s journey proves the power of persistence and the beauty of embracing the unexpected.

Perfect for college graduates, creative thinkers, and anyone chasing their dreams, Say Yes is a transformative manifesto for those ready to turn challenges into opportunities and passion into purpose. Let this book inspire you to say “yes” to your own bold vision.

Plus, there's a Say Yes for kids (audio book edition only).

Join Kwame for Say Yes Book Signings and Author Talks

Tuesday, April 15:

People's Books, MD

6:30pm

Friday, April 18:

Scrawl Books, VA

6:30pm

Tuesday, April 29:

Watchung Booksellers, NJ

7:00pm

Kwame is back on Morning Joe (MSNBC) for a live interview to discuss his personal story that he penned into Say Yes.

Tune In! April 29

Check your local listings for Time.

Say Yes book (and audio book for kids)

In stores everywhere Tuesday, April 29 - check out Kwame's Upcoming Events page for Preview Events and Book Talk details!

Kwame Alexander Addresses 2024 American University Graduates & Receives Honorary Doctorate

Kwame Alexander received a standing ovation for his 2024 Commencement Address to graduates of American University's School of Communication and School of Education.

The #1 New York Times bestelling author and award-winning author of over 40 books was also awarded an honorary doctorate from American University, in recognition of his profound impact on literature and education. Ceremonies were held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Washington, DC.

PBS KIDS BRINGS KWAME ALEXANDER'S ACOUSTIC ROOSTER and his BARNYARD BAND TO TV MAY 1!

GATHER AROUND YOUR PRE-SCHOOLERS EVERY WEEK IN MAY FOR THIS MUSIC-FILLED SPECIAL!!

Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band by Kwame Alexander Illustrated by Tim Bowers

Based on Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band, the beloved children’s book by Emmy® Award-winning, Newbery medalist, and #1 New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander, the ACOUSTIC ROOSTER universe is coming to PBS KIDS with a special and a short-form series produced by GBH.

ACOUSTIC ROOSTER AND HIS BARNYARD BAND debuts as a one-hour special, May 1.

This PBS KIDS and GBH production also includes,

ACOUSTIC ROOSTER: JAZZY JAMS, an upbeat new animated series of 20 shorts to air weekly, beginning May 9. These 3-minute episodes will introduce viewers ages 3-5 to the vibrant world of the arts, specifically jazz music, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration, creativity, and self-expression.

Centered on the titular character, a guitar-strumming rooster who joins the Barnyard Band of Jazz Greats, the series and special feature 24 original tracks composed by Juno Award-winning jazz musician Mark McLean, as well as special guests, including jazz icon Herbie Hancock and renowned jazz bassist Amy Shook.

The multiplatform world of Acoustic Rooster and his friends will also include an interactive game, Groovin’ with Acoustic Rooster, which allows kids to create their own music and play along with their favorite songs from the show.

ACOUSTIC ROOSTER AND HIS BARNYARD BAND, will teach kids about foundational music concepts and the importance of teamwork to inspire them to use their creativity as an outlet for self-expression as it opens their eyes—and ears—to the richness of jazz. The toe-tapping special follows the musical adventures of the precocious, young Acoustic Rooster, who dreams of joining a world-class jazz band alongside his talented friends, including Mules Davis, Lil’ Herdin, Ella Finchgerald, Duck Ellington, and the Chick-A-Dees (an adorable trio of preschool chicks), whose names are all playful nods to famous jazz greats.

Tune in with your little ones for a jazzy good time!
Find your local PBS channel to watch ACOUSTIC ROOSTER and his BARNYARD BAND, Starting May 1!

J vs. K IN STORES MAY 6TH!

CHOOSE A SIDE!  THE JERRY vs. KWAME BUS TOUR PULLS OFF MAY 4TH!

J vs K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft

Created by real-life rivals and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft, this hilarious illustrated story features two talented fifth graders going head-to-head in a competition for the ages.

J and K are the most creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS)...

J loves to draw and hates to read.
K loves to write and can't draw water...
(Whose team are you on???)
Kwame Alexander is the 2015 Newbery Medal-winner for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature for The Crossover.
Jerry Craft is the 2020 Newbery Medal-winner for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature for New Kid.
These two authors have come together to create an epic novel about a classic rivalry, the importance of embracing your own skillset and appreciating others' talents.
It's artist vs. writer in this celebration of creativity, comics, and collaboration. You won't want to miss J vs. K!
Team J or Team K? Check out Kwame's Upcoming Events page to find out if these literary frenemies will come to a city near you!
And pick up your copy of J vs K in stores, libraries, and online Tuesday, May, 6, 2025!
Also, hear Jerry and Kwame battle it out in the J vs K audio book! Download May 6th!

THE KWAME ALEXANDER YOUTH GAMES

April 10-11, 2025

KA GAMES flyer

Partnering with the City of Chesapeake, VA, Kwame Alexander is proud to launch the Inaugural Kwame Alexander Youth Games, April 10th & 11th, 2025. This multi-day event, has something for everyone:

APRIL 10 AT 10:30 AM: LITTLE FREE LIBRARY DEDICATION

BELLS MILL [MARCH CORPREW PLACE - ADJACENT TO 1045 BELLS MILL RD]

A ceremony presenting The Crossover-themed Little Free Library on the land that Kwame's great-great grandfather, March Corprew, bought in 1870, and farmed, after returning home from the Civil War. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

APRIL 10 AT 6:30 PM: BATTLE OF THE BOOKS FINALE

CHESAPEAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY [298 CEDAR RD]

A Battle of the Books quiz-show-style competition for elementary and middle schoolers around his Newbery Medal-winning novel, The Crossover, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

APRIL 11 AT 4:00-5:30 PM: THE CROSSOVER FREE THROW CONTEST

CHESAPEAKE CITY PARK [900 CITY PARK DRIVE]

Alternate Rain Location:

GREAT BRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER [212 Holt Dr]

A basketball free-throw shooting contest for ages 8 to 14. SIGN UP AT THE PARK 3:30-4:15 PM. OPEN TO ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

APRIL 11 AT 5:30 PM: KWAME ALEXANDER SHOWCASE TENNIS TOURNAMENT

GREENBRIAR SPORTS PARK [1009 GREENBRIER PARKWAY]

A tennis invitational match featuring two of the best high school girl's teams in the area-Great Bridge and Cox. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Projected rain may postpone this event.

*Winners of each sporting event will receive trophies, and winning schools in the quiz competition will receive visits to their respective schools on April 11 by bestselling authors Jerry Craft, Gene Luen Yang, Jenn Bishop, and Alexander himself.

For more information, email Miracle@KwameAlexander.com

How Sweet The Sound In Stores on January 13th!

Tour Begins January 13th with Kwame on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert!

How Sweet the by Kwame Alexander

Featuring artists ranging from Miles Davis to Kendrick Lamar, dive into this stunningly illustrated celebration of the history of Black music in America by the award-winning author of The Undefeated!

Listen to the sound of survival, courage and democracy - the soundtrack of America. Hear Billie Holiday's raspy, mournful voice, and tap your foot to Louis Armstrong's trumpet. Scream with James Brown and bop your head to Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Can you spot the 80+ references to artists like Robert Johnson, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Whitney Houston, Lauren Hill and Beyonce?

Come dance to Kwame Alexander's melodius narrative of the history of Black music in America, accompanied by the vibrant illustrations of Charly Palmer.

The book includes extensive back matter, providing even more context and history on the music and musicians.

In stores everywhere Tuesday, January 13 - check out Kwame's Upcoming Events page for full book tour details!

PEOPLE Exclusive: Cover Reveal of BLACK STAR!

Sneak Peek at Latest Book in Kwame Alexander’s THE DOOR OF NO RETURN Series

PHOTO: ROWAN DALY; LITTLE, BROWN BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

On Monday, February 26, 2024, in an exclusive with PEOPLE, #1 New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning producer Kwame Alexander revealed the cover of his upcoming middle grade novel, Black Star. The second book in Kwame Alexander’s acclaimed The Door of No Return series hit bookshelves on Sept. 24, 2024, published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

“A while ago, a middle school student wrote me a two-page letter thanking me for writing my books, but challenging me to write a novel with a girl as the main character,” Alexander tells PEOPLE.

“When I started writing Black Star, I knew that it would continue the story from The Door of No Return, I knew that baseball and Jim Crow would play a major role in the book and I knew that it was time to feature a girl, like my daughter, like all the girls who read my books, like the young lady who challenged me,” he continues.

Read the full exclusive on People.com!

Black Star in Stores Tuesday, September 24, 2024!

And A Virtual Literary Pep Rally

Black Star by Kwame Alexander

The riveting second book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Door of No Return trilogy stars Kofi’s granddaughter, Charley, who’s set on becoming the first female pitcher to play professional ball but who soon has to contend with the tensions about to boil over in her segregated town.

You can’t protect her from knowing. The truth is all we have.

12-year old Charley Cuffey is many things: a granddaughter, a best friend, and probably the best pitcher in all of Lee’s Mill. Set on becoming the first female pitcher to play professional ball, Charley doesn't need reminders from her best friend Cool Willie Green to know that she has lofty dreams for a Black girl in the American South.

Even so, Nana Kofi's thrilling stories about courageous ancestors and epic journeys make it impossible not to dream big. She knows he has so many more to tell, but according to her parents, she isn't old enough to know about certain things like what happened to Booker Preston that one night in Great Bridge and why she can never play on the brand-new real deal baseball field on the other side of town.

When Charley challenges a neighborhood bully to a game at the church picnic, she knows she can win, even with her ragtag team. But when the picnic spills over onto their ball field, she makes a fateful decision.

A child cannot protect herself if she does not know her history, and Charley's choice brings consequences she never could have imagined.

In this thrilling second book of the Door of No Return trilogy, set during the turbulent segregation era, and the beginning of The Great Migration, Kwame Alexander weaves a spellbinding story of struggle, determination, and the unflappable faith of an American family.

In stores everywhere Tuesday, September 24, 2024

We need King’s message as much today as in 1965: ‘How long? Not long’

Los Angeles Times Op-Ed by Kwame Alexander

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. addressed the crowd at the end of the Selma-to-Montgomery march on March 25, 1965. (Morton Broffman / Getty Images)

"President Kennedy once posed the question: What is it to be an American today when our people are divided as never before? Now as then, too many of us have lost our way, our will and our sense of historic purpose. The good and righteous in us knows what’s necessary for a renewal. For a healing. For a reclamation of the most important values that have eluded us, but still define our journey as human beings: freedom, democracy and equality of opportunity. The problem is we don’t know where to go, or we’re too afraid of how we get there."

Read the full Los Angles Times op-ed by Kwame Alexander at LATimes.com.

*subscription may be required

NOW AVAILABLE: THE HAIKU COLLECTION

Limited Edition Frames in Collaboration with Kirk & Kirk

Hey Hey Hey!

‘Tis the season to celebrate: today’s the DAY. The official launch of The Haiku Collection, the limited edition eyewear collaboration with the innovative team at Kirk & Kirk!

We’ve put our heart and soul into this line, with two styles and four colorways to choose from. Each frame is handcrafted in Italy and comes packaged with pulchritude, including a gorgeous booklet featuring original Haiku penned by yours truly.

This isn’t just eyewear, y’all… it’s FLYWEAR, and I can’t wait for you to have your own pair. Get yours here and join the revolution in readers.

This is going to be a wonderful holiday and bountiful new year for each of us, and our loved ones! You can quote me on that...

~ Kwame

P.S. Head over to my Instagram (@kwamealexander) on Saturday, December 16th, 11am EST / 8am PST – I’ll be coming to you LIVE with Kirk & Kirk co-founder Jason Kirk to talk about our collab and answer all the questions you ever had about eyeglasses and lenses. Oh yeah!