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.

“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. 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.”

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.

Available in paperback now, and nominated for the prestigious UK Carnegie Medal.

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!

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)...

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.

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

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!