Sofiya Pasternack will read from and sign her new middle-grade novel Anya and the Dragon.

Anya and the Dragon is the story of fantasy and mayhem in tenth century Eastern Europe, where headstrong eleven-year-old Anya is a daughter of the only Jewish family in her village. When her family’s livelihood is threatened by a bigoted magistrate, Anya is lured in by a friendly family of fools, who promise her money in exchange for helping them capture the last dragon in Kievan Rus. This seems easy enough, until she finds out that the scary old dragon isn’t as old—or as scary—as everyone thought. Now Anya is faced with a choice: save the dragon, or save her family.

Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of Anya and the Dragon from The King's English.

https://www.kingsenglish.com/event/sofiya-pasternack-anya-and-dragon-kwame-alexander

The Bindery hosts the launch for Aimee Lucido's debut, Emmy in the Key of Code. With her in conversation is Kwame Alexander (The Crossover). In this innovative middle grade novel, coding and music take center stage as new girl Emmy tries to find her place in a new school. Perfect for fans of Girls Who Code series and The Crossover.

In a new city, at a new school, twelve-year-old Emmy has never felt more out of tune. Things start to look up when she takes her first coding class, unexpectedly connecting with the material—and Abigail, a new friend—through a shared language: music. But when Emmy gets bad news about their computer teacher, and finds out Abigail isn’t being entirely honest about their friendship, she feels like her new life is screeching to a halt. Despite these obstacles, Emmy is determined to prove one thing: that, for the first time ever, she isn’t a wrong note, but a musician in the world's most beautiful symphony.

Two acclaimed authors-turned-publishers discuss their latest children’s books, the artists and writers they are championing through their respective publishing lines, and the current state of children’s book publishing. Kwame Alexander's New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning The Crossover is vividly brought to life as a graphic novel with stunning illustrations by star talent Dawud Anyabwile.

In spring 2019, Kwame Alexander launched Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers with the mission to “change the world, one word at a time,” publishing books that celebrate the lives and reflect the possibilities of all children. Based on Will Smith’s The Fresh Prince, Denene Millner’s The Fresh Princess, illustrated by Gladys Jose, introduces Destiny—a cool, energetic, and strong-willed young girl who approaches every day with her own signature style.

Copies of HOW TO READ A BOOK and a selection of Kwame’s previously published titles will be available for purchase at the event.

Hooray for Books is thrilled to welcome Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander and musician Randy Preston for a special performance celebrating the release of Kwame's new picture book How to Read a Book.

This event is free but you must have a ticket to attend.

Sea Tea Comedy Theater, 15 Asylum St. Hartford, CT 06103

The Literacy for All Conference is ideal for classroom teachers, reading specialists, literacy coaches, interventionists, literacy leaders, administrators and Reading Recovery teachers. A wide range of sessions from preschool through middle school will be taught by literacy specialists on topics that include: early literacy, adolescent literacy, intervention, coaching, children’s literature, reader’s workshop, guided reading, writer’s workshop, phonics, spelling and vocabulary, and Reading Recovery.

Hosted by Lesley University in collaboration with The University of Maine.

We are thrilled to reveal our 2019 Festival lineup! Our 2019 Festival lineup features a diverse array of topics, genres, and writers, including acclaimed poets, illustrators, and bestselling authors of both fiction and nonfiction.

As one of the largest literary festivals in the country, we are proud to showcase both national and Texas authors, including debut and bestselling writers, renowned chefs, beloved children’s illustrators and authors, and more.

Join us for the 24th annual Texas Book Festival on October 26-27, and help us inspire all Texans to love reading!

January 3, 2022 at 12 Noon EST
Key West, FL
Kwame will do a live reading of from Books and Books
Live at Facebook.com/KwameAlexanderBooks

January 5, 2022 at 6:30 pm EST
Raleigh, NC
Kwame Alexander and Dare Coulter in Conversation at Quail Ridge Books

January 7, 2022 at 1:00 pm EST
Panama City, FL
Bay County Public Library Event
898 W 11th St, Panama City, FL 32401

January 10, 2022 at 7:00 pm EST
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch, located next to James Weldon Johnson Park.
303 N Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

January 11, 2022 at TBA
Charleston, SC
Conversation & Connection: Kwame Alexander and Dr. Tonya Maria Matthews

January 12, 2022 at 5:30 pm EST
Charlotte, NC
Barnes & Noble Arboretum
3327 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Charlotte, NC

January 14, 2022 at TBA
Los Angeles, CA
Manhattan Beach Public Library
1320 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA

January 15, 2022 at 4:00 pm EST
Scrawl Books
Reading and Signing with Dare
11911 Freedom Dr, Reston, VA 20190

We invite you to join us on Kwame's tour in celebration of his memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night (available for pre-order now, on sale May 23)!

Each stop will be a unique experience, as Kwame shares selections from the book, followed by an intimate conversation with an incredible group of partners across the tour.

Join us in New York City at the 92nd Street Y on Wednesday, May 24, at 6:30pm, featuring Kwame in conversation with Christine Platt, acclaimed author (including The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less), advocate, and Communications Director for Rihanna's award-winning Clara Lionel Foundation.

Tickets & Additional Information

NOTE: In-person and Virtual Livestream Ticket Options Available!

We invite you to join us on Kwame's tour in celebration of his memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night, available for pre-order now, on sale May 23!

Each stop will be a unique experience, as Kwame shares selections from the book, followed by an intimate conversation with an incredible group of partners across the tour.

Join us in Washington DC at the Planet Word Museum (in partnership with East City Bookshop) on Thursday, May 25, at 6:30pm, featuring Kwame in conversation with NPR's Ayesha Rascoe.

Tickets & Additional Event Info

We invite you to join us on Kwame's tour in celebration of his memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night (available for pre-order now, on sale May 23)!

Each stop will be a unique experience, as Kwame shares selections from the book, followed by an intimate conversation with an incredible group of partners across the tour.

Join us in Portland, OR at Powell's City of Books on Tuesday, May 30, at 7:00pm, featuring Kwame in conversation with James Beard award-winning author and chef Gregory Gourdet!

Additional Event Info

We invite you to join us on Kwame's tour in celebration of his memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night (available for pre-order now, on sale May 23)!

Each stop will be a unique experience, as Kwame shares selections from the book, followed by an intimate conversation with an incredible group of partners across the tour.

Join us in Berkeley, CA at the First Congregational Church (in partnership with Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore) on Wednesday, May 31, at 6:30pm, featuring Kwame in conversation with stand-up comedian, director, and executive producer W. Kamau Bell!

Tickets & Additional Event Info

We invite you to join us on Kwame's tour in celebration of his memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night, available for pre-order now, on sale May 23!

Each stop will be a unique experience, as Kwame shares selections from the book, followed by an intimate conversation with an incredible group of partners across the tour.

Join us in Los Angeles, CA at Barnes & Noble at The Grove on Thursday, June 1, at 7:00pm, featuring Kwame in conversation with actress, writer, and producer Joy Bryant.

Tickets & Additional Event Info

We invite you to join us on Kwame's tour in celebration of his memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night, available for pre-order now, on sale May 23!

Each stop will be a unique experience, as Kwame shares selections from the book, followed by an intimate conversation with an incredible group of partners across the tour.

Join us in Philadelphia, PA at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 6, at 7:30pm, featuring Kwame in conversation with author and educator Tracy Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts.

Additional Event Info

We invite you to join us on Kwame's tour in celebration of his memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night, available for pre-order now, on sale May 23!

Each stop will be a unique experience, as Kwame shares selections from the book, followed by an intimate conversation with an incredible group of partners.

Join us in Atlanta, GA at Inman Park Church (in partnership with A Cappella Books) on Thursday, June 8, at 7:00pm, featuring Kwame in conversation with with New York Times best-selling author Victoria Christopher Murray.

Tickets & Additional Event Info

We invite you to join us on Kwame's tour in celebration of his memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night, on sale now!

Each stop will be a unique experience, as Kwame shares selections from the book, followed by an intimate conversation with an incredible group of partners.

***JUST ADDED!!!***

Join us in Charleston, SC at Buxton Books on Saturday, July 17, at 4:00pm, featuring Kwame in conversation with Charleston Literary Festival Director Sarah Moriarty!

RSVP & Additional Event Info

Join Kwame Alexander in conversation with Angela Ards at the Martha's Vineyard Book Festival on Sunday, August 6, at 8:30am ET, discussing his latest book, Why Fathers Cry at Night: A Memoir in Love Poems, Recipes, Letters, and Remembrances.

Join us on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 6-8pm ET, for a special evening with New York Times Bestselling author Kwame Alexander as he discusses his memoir, Why Fathers Cry at Night.

Presented by the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, located at 307 Old Main Street in South Yarmouth.

$20 adults, free for children (12 and under). Register online or call 508-394-7100.

Join us on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT for AUTHOR STUDY WITH KWAME ALEXANDER, a special virtual reading, book talk, and Q&A livestream event with the #1 New York Times best-selling, Newbery medal-winning author of The Crossover, The Door of No Return, Becoming Muhammed Ali, Rebound, The Undefeated, and more!

Every year, Kwame receives thousands of speaking engagement requests, for both in-person and virtual appearances, from schools and libraries all across the country and around the world. In response to this demand, we’ve created this special event to bring Kwame into your classrooms at an exclusive rate.

Kwame will be discussing Booked and The Crossover as we prepare to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its publication next year, but also fielding questions about all of his works (don't worry, no spoilers!) from select attendees LIVE in the chat. We’re bringing in some surprise guests and featuring giveaways during the livestream as well!

This event is intended for grades 3-9. Each registration provides access to the virtual livestream, which can be used for a classroom, library, or broadcast to a school-wide assembly. The login cannot be used on multiple devices concurrently.

NOTE: In order to give participants a unique and more personalized experience, space for this virtual livestream event is limited.

The New York State Reading Association (NYSRA) is proud to welcome Kwame Alexander as the Keynote Speaker for the NYSRA 56th Annual Conference 2023. For more information, visit NYSreading.org.

For more information, visit Hipocampo Books online.

Join us on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT for Author Study with Kwame Alexander and special guest, the legendary Judy Blume, recently named as one Time’s 100 Most Influential People of the Year in 2023!

Our 45-minute virtual livestream session is a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two dynamic #1 New York Times best-selling, award-winning authors. Kwame will read from his National Book Award-longlisted novel, Booked, then speak with Judy on how she creates such compelling characters throughout her beloved collection of 29 best-selling books that have sold more than 90 million copies in 39 languages.

We’ll also do a character writing craft lesson, followed by a LIVE Q&A, taking questions from select attendees in the chat!

- Classroom / School / Library Registration: $375

- Title I Classroom / School or Homeschoolers Registration: $250

This event will also include an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.

In order to give participants a unique and more personalized experience, space for this virtual livestream event is limited. Register today at AuthorStudy.com to secure your spot!

Note: This event is intended for grades 4-12 and will run 45 minutes (1:00-1:45pm ET / 10:00 - 10:45am PT). Each registration provides access through a unique URL and passcode as a single login to the virtual livestream, which can be used from one device for viewing in an individual classroom or library, or broadcast to a school-wide assembly. The login cannot be used on multiple devices concurrently. However, the single login can be used if your school or organization is set up to broadcast from one device into multiple classrooms. However, the single login can be used if your school or organization is set up to broadcast from one device into multiple classrooms. Please see FAQs on the event page for additional details.

Kwame Alexander will serve as a featured keynote speaker for the 59th annual Texas Council of Teachers Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts (TCTELA) Conference, taking place January 26-28, 2024 in Round Rock, Texas.

Kwame joins hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for a live, in-studio interview on their talkshow Morning Joe to discuss about his latest publication, "This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets.

In 1958, Esquire magazine commissioned Art Kane, a young photographer, to photograph as many of the luminaries of the New York jazz scene as possible together. The group included Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Thelonius Monk, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Charles Mingus, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, and many other notable artists. The photo would be used for Esquire's 1959 Golden Age of Jazz edition as a way to highlight and celebrate the soundtrack of America. Over the years, other facets of Black America's cultural landscape would be commemorated in similar ways: A Great Day in Hip Hop (1998), A Great Day in Hollywood (2018).

In keeping with this tradition, Kwame Alexander has organized A Great Day in Poetry, with event primarily taking place on February 1, 2024 - Langston Hughes' birthday. Coinciding with the publication of his 40th book, This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets, A Great Day in Poetry will feature various contributing poets gathering in select bookstores across the country including Washington, DC, Charleston, SC, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, reading from their work and paying homage to the legacy, and future, of African-American poetry.

Kwame kicks off these special events with an appearance at the Montclair Public Library hosted by Watchung Booksellers. Kwame's guests will include Reginald Harris, Jacqueline Johnson and Chris Slaughter.

Tickets are $5 and proceeds will benefit Howe House.

In 1958, Esquire magazine commissioned Art Kane, a young photographer, to photograph as many of the luminaries of the New York jazz scene as possible together. The group included Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey, Thelonius Monk, Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, Charles Mingus, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, and many other notable artists. The photo would be used for Esquire's 1959 Golden Age of Jazz edition as a way to highlight and celebrate the soundtrack of America. Over the years, other facets of Black America's cultural landscape would be commemorated in similar ways: A Great Day in Hip Hop (1998), A Great Day in Hollywood (2018).

In keeping with this tradition, Kwame Alexander has organized A Great Day in Poetry, with event primarily taking place on February 1, 2024 - Langston Hughes' birthday. Coinciding with the publication of his 40th book, This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets, A Great Day in Poetry will feature various contributing poets gathering in select bookstores across the country including Washington, DC, Charleston, SC, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles, reading from their work and paying homage to the legacy, and future, of African-American poetry.

February 1st - A Great Day in Poetry Event Information

Washington, DC
6:30pm (ET)
MahoganyBooks at Planet Word Museum
Hosted by Abdul Ali and featuring Kimberly Collins, Kyle Dargan, Brian Gilmore, Reuben Jackson, Alan King, Chet'la Sebree, Clint Smith and Truth Thomas
Registration & Additional Information

Charleston, SC
5:30pm (ET)
Buxton Books the Charleston County Public Library, John L. Dart branch
Hosted by Dr. Tonya Matthews and featuring Joanna Crowell, Gary Jackson, Asiah Mae, and Ronda Taylor
Registration & Additional Information

Boston, MA
7:30pm (PT)
Brookline Booksmith at the Public Library of Brookline: Coolidge Corner
Featuring: Jarita Davis, January O’Neil, Pamela Taylor
Registration & Additional Information

Los Angeles, CA
7:00pm (PT)
Malik Books - (Westfield Culver City)
Featuring: LeRonn Brooks, Safia Elhillo, Jonterri Gadson, and Yvette R. Murray
Registration & Additional Information

Kwame joins Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer for The Today Show's "What To Read" segment and offers his book recommendations for February/Valentine's Day. They'll also talk about his his latest publication, This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets.

Kwame's Great Day in Poetry series culminates in this stellar signature event as part of Lincoln Center's poet-in-residence Mahogany Browne's Seen-Sound-Scribe series.

Poets Nikki Giovanni, Mahogany Browne, Tony Medina, Evie Shockley and Quincy Troupe whose work is included in Kwame's newest book This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets, will join him onstage for an evening of readings, discussion and Q&A centered around the book and the importance of Black poetry. Composer and pianist Donal Fox will set the tone with musical selections during the event and a DJ will bring the party during the booksigning to follow the event through Cafe Con Libros.

Registration and More Information

Join Kwame for a insightful and engaging conversation about his latest book "This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Black Poets", which debuts on January 30th. The comprehensive and vibrant collection curated by Kwame features beloved poets such as Rita Dove, Jericho Brown, Warsan Shire, Ross Gay, Tracy K. Smith, Terrance Hayes, Morgan Parker and the iconic Nikki Giovanni.

Copies of "This Is The Honey" will be available for sale at the box office and attendees are also welcome to bring their own copies for Kwame's book signing following the event.

Join Arapahoe Libraries for a moderated conversation with Kwame where he will answer questions submitted by the audience about his outstanding career.

Join Kwame at a special signing event for his latest book "This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Black Poets". The comprehensive and vibrant collection curated by Kwame features beloved poets such as Rita Dove, Jericho Brown, Warsan Shire, Ross Gay, Tracy K. Smith, Terrance Hayes, Morgan Parker and the iconic Nikki Giovanni.

Copies of "This Is The Honey" will be available for sale at the event.

Join Kwame and his special guest, sculptor/muralist/artist/illustrator Dare Coulter, for a special Author Study event where Kwame will read from his critically-acclaimed book "An American Story", and she will discuss her approach for illustrating the book. The 45-minute virtual session will also include a craft lesson and live Q&A from select attendees.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from and engage with Kwame and Dare!

Kwame joins The Daily Show's Michael Kosta to discuss his career, mission and latest work, This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets.

Focusing on the historical examination of the role of Washington, DC writers, Kwame joins Joy Johns, Tracy Elam Walker, David Miller, Ph.D., Tiffany Mitchell Patterson, Ph.D., and Leroy Nesbitt, Jr., for an insightful panel discussion under the title of "Unfinished Business, Untold Stories: A Look Beyond The Immediate Horizon to the Future of Children's Literature Written by African American Authors".

A book signing will follow the panel discussion.

Kwame joins his friend, author Olivia Cole, at bbgb to talk about their respective new releases: Black Star and The Empty Place.

They'll not only talk about their books, but also their lives as writers and share engaging and inspiring stories with the audience. A book signing will follow.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration for the speaking component is required and purchase of at least one of their books is required for the signing line.

Register HERE!

Kwame will be in conversation with journalist Wesley Lowery discussing his memoir Why Fathers Cry at Night and his new anthology This Is The Honey during this 3-day festival of nearly 100 national, regional and local authors, children's and family resources and exciting literary programming.

Register Here

Join Kwame for this annual Children's Literacy Festival where he will do a book talk and signing.

Kwame delivers the keynote address at this fundraising luncheon which supports the Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma County.

Register for tickets HERE.

Kwame hosts the Portland Book Awards honoring Oregon's most accomplished writers in the categories of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, young readers and graphic literature.

Purchase tickets HERE.

Kwame talks with Kelly Clarkson about his career, This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets and Why Fathers Cry at Night.

Check your local listings for air times.

Kwame returns to the CityLit festival which he help found in 2019!

He takes the stage with other contributing poets from his recent work, This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets, to read selections from the book and joins Deborah Taylor for a conversation to discuss This Is The Honey, Why Fathers Cry at Night and The Crossover.

The CityLit Festival is free and open to the public!

Join Kwame in conversation with Michele Tracey Berger at the Cleveland Humanities Festival as he discusses not only his latest work, This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets, but the topic of AWE - what it is, how to cultivate it, how to use it to inspire and teach, how to embrace it.

The Cleveland Humanities Festival is an annual collaborative event celebrating the great cultural institutions of the city of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, dedicated to humanistic inquiry.

Register HERE.

Join Kwame and his special guests Toni Blackman and Sue Fliess for a special educational experience celebrating National Poetry Month and the 10th anniversary of The Crossover! In addition to Kwame reading from The Crossover and interaction with his guests, the 45-minute virtual session will also include a craft lesson and live Q&A from select attendees.

Register HERE!

Kwame will join five other changemakers on American University's slate of commencement speakers for the 2024 graduating class. Kwame will address the graduates of the School of Communications / School of Education during its commencement ceremony on May 11th.

Kwame presents a keynote address at the PBS Annual Meeting of public television station management, Board members and other dignitaries as the Corporation for Public Broadcast discusses its initiatives for engaging the nation, community by community, and promotes the power of public media in bringing the world together.

Are you a writer? Aspiring writer? Always dreamed about writing? Here's you chance to learn everything you wanted to know about writing and publishing your book from bestselling author and Emmy-winning producer Kwame Alexander! Spend an hour with Kwame as he answers questions and gives insight into the world of writing and publishing.

Book signing to follow.

Register Here!

Join Kwame at this year's Nantucket Book Festival where he'll discuss his latest work: This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets as well as his other books, Why Fathers Cry at Night, The Door of No Return and its upcoming second installment Black Star and his award-winning novel The Crossover. A book signing will follow his presentation.

Register Here!

Critically acclaimed poets, Kwame Alexander and Safiya Sinclair end the Festival's Saturday celebration with a conversation about their respective careers, inspirations, and experiences, both unique and shared. Join these two dynamic writers for a look into their worlds and perspectives!

Register Here!

Join us for an unforgettable week including master classes with our esteemed faculty writers in a selected genre track, opening and closing keynote addresses, featured speaker guests, panel conversations, mix and mingle events with publishers and agents, and more!

You can also partake in a LIVE Pitchapalooza event (think American Idol! but for authors), plus you'll have dedicated time to work on your own writing as well, either individually or in small groups.

All of these features are included in the standard cost of registration, educator discounts and student rates are also available. Space is limited and filling up quickly so be sure to secure your spot.

We'll see you by the lake this June.....

Cheers!

~ Kwame

Register Today!

Join us for an unforgettable week including master classes with our esteemed faculty writers in a selected genre track, opening and closing keynote addresses, featured speaker guests, panel conversations, mix and mingle events with publishers and agents, and more!

You can also partake in a LIVE Pitchapalooza event (think American Idol! but for authors), plus you'll have dedicated time to work on your own writing as well, either individually or in small groups.

All of these features are included in the standard cost of registration, educator discounts and student rates are also available. Space is limited and filling up quickly so be sure to secure your spot.

We'll see you by the lake this June.....

Cheers!

~ Kwame

Register Today!

Join us for an unforgettable week including master classes with our esteemed faculty writers in a selected genre track, opening and closing keynote addresses, featured speaker guests, panel conversations, mix and mingle events with publishers and agents, and more!

You can also partake in a LIVE Pitchapalooza event (think American Idol! but for authors), plus you'll have dedicated time to work on your own writing as well, either individually or in small groups.

All of these features are included in the standard cost of registration, educator discounts and student rates are also available. Space is limited and filling up quickly so be sure to secure your spot.

We'll see you by the lake this June.....

Cheers!

~ Kwame

Register Today!

Join us for an unforgettable week including master classes with our esteemed faculty writers in a selected genre track, opening and closing keynote addresses, featured speaker guests, panel conversations, mix and mingle events with publishers and agents, and more!

You can also partake in a LIVE Pitchapalooza event (think American Idol! but for authors), plus you'll have dedicated time to work on your own writing as well, either individually or in small groups.

All of these features are included in the standard cost of registration, educator discounts and student rates are also available. Space is limited and filling up quickly so be sure to secure your spot.

We'll see you by the lake this June.....

Cheers!

~ Kwame

Register Today!

Kwame hosts the Coretta Scott King Award 55th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, June 28th at 7:00pm (Pacific Time) at the American Libraries Association annual conference.

The event's theme of "Free to Read" commemmorates the power of African-American children's literature and the celebration recognizes the legacy of the Coretta Scott King Book Award by celebrating this years' winners. Dare Coulter is the 2024 award winner for her work on Kwame's "An American Story".

Kwame joins a host of other stellar names as a featured speaker as he gives a keynote address during the American Libraries Association Annual Conference.

1:00pm Pacific Time

Tickets available here!

#1 New York Times best-selling author Kwame Alexander kicks off the new school year with a FREE live, virtual author event!

Kwame will read from his new novel, Black Star, the second book in the Door of No Return trilogy, and welcome one - maybe two - special guests. Plus, there will be exciting announcements about upcoming events to keep kids engaged in reading and writing all year.

This 25-minute pep rally by one of the most beloved YA authors will get your students hyped for their ELA school adventures!

Register HERE!

Join Kwame and his good friends, Kass and Cornnelius Minor, for an evening of dreaming and community conversation about the future of learning centered on children and the villages that nurture them.

Through storytelling, listening and art-making, explore how education has evolved and see how dynamic and powerful transformative education can be.

This event is for educators, parents, caregivers, dreamers, artists, activists and anyone who believes in the power of community to foster educational change!

Register for in-person (note, space is limited) or the virtual livestream HERE! You can also read more about the event on the Brooklyn Library website.

September 25, 2024 - South Bend, IN

An Evening with Kwame Alexander

7:00pm (ET)

Carroll Auditorium, Mandeleva Hall, Saint Mary's College

Sponsored by Brain Lair Books

Tickets Available Here

September 26, 2024 - Naperville, IL

Author Event with Kwame Alexander

7:00pm (CT)

Anderson's Bookshop

Tickets Available Here

September 27, 2024 - Edmond, OK

Author Event with Kwame Alexander

6:00pm (ET)

Best of Books

To enter the signing line and meet the author, please purchase your copy of Black Star from Best of Books here. Books will also be available to purchase at the event to be signed.

September 30, 2024 - Witchita, KS

Author Event with Kwame Alexander

6:00pm (CT)

Watermark Books and the Kansas African American Museum

Tickets Available Here

October 1, 2024 - Reston, VA

Kwame Alexander and Randy Preston

7:00pm (ET)

Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art

Tickets Available Here

October 2, 2024 - Raleigh, NC

Kwame Alexander

6:00pm (ET)

Quail Ridge Books

Tickets Available Here

Join Kwame on a week-long journey into Ireland's vibrant arts and culture! Experience guided tours, cultural music, art and poetry, historic landmarks and learn how Ireland is using its past to connect with the younger generation.

Register Today!

Join Kwame on a week-long journey into Ireland's vibrant arts and culture! Experience guided tours, cultural music, art and poetry, historic landmarks and learn how Ireland is using its past to connect with the younger generation.

Register Today!

Join Kwame on a week-long journey into Ireland's vibrant arts and culture! Experience guided tours, cultural music, art and poetry, historic landmarks and learn how Ireland is using its past to connect with the younger generation.

Register Today!

Join Kwame on a week-long journey into Ireland's vibrant arts and culture! Experience guided tours, cultural music, art and poetry, historic landmarks and learn how Ireland is using its past to connect with the younger generation.

Register Today!

Join Kwame on a week-long journey into Ireland's vibrant arts and culture! Experience guided tours, cultural music, art and poetry, historic landmarks and learn how Ireland is using its past to connect with the younger generation.

Register Today!

Join Kwame on a week-long journey into Ireland's vibrant arts and culture! Experience guided tours, cultural music, art and poetry, historic landmarks and learn how Ireland is using its past to connect with the younger generation.

Register Today!

Join Kwame at the Cheltenham Literature Festival where he will be in conversation with The Times feature writer Lucy Bannerman to discuss his writing journey, his Newbery Award-winning book The Crossover and The Door of No Return, the first book in what will ultimately be an epic triology.

Tickets Available Here!

Kwame returns to one of his favorite London events - The Children's Bookshow - on Tuesday, October 15th!

Kwame will inspire kids of all ages with stories of his writing journey, readings from his bestselling books and engaging and informative questions and answers with the audience.

Get Tickets HERE!

Kwame will give the Keynote Address at the National Black Child Development Institute's Creative Gathering. Join him for an evening of live music, spoken word, hors d'oervres and inspiration!

Register for tickets here!

Kwame will take the stage at the Herndon Children's Book Festival sponsored by A Thousand Stories Bookstore on Saturday, October 19th at 1:30pm for a dynamic talk about his work and career followed by a book signing.

The event runs from 11:00am to 4:00pm and is free and open to the public!

Kwame teams up with his friend Jason Reynolds to teach young readers and writers about generating ideas in writing – and more.

This event focuses on idea generation in writing. Students will hear Kwame read from his new book, Black Star, then learn a strategy for idea generation in a brief writing craft lesson. Kwame then turns attention to award-winning, highly acclaimed author Jason Reynolds for a conversation about his creative process as an author, poet and podcaster. Students will hear Jason and Kwame discuss where their ideas come from, how they know when it's time to pursue a writing idea (and when to walk away), and other tidbits kids can apply to their own writing practice. The 45-minute virtual session wraps with a live Q&A session.

Learn how Author Study supports student learning goals.

Register HERE!

Kwame will join Cassie Owens Moore, award-winning middle school teacher/librarian and chair of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians Intellectual Freedom Committe, for an inspiring conversation about his latest work, his career and the importance of BIOPIC authors and readers in literature for young people.

Register HERE!

Kwame will deliver the keynote speech "Where I'm From: Mapping a Writer's Life" at the beginning of the OSU Newbery Symposium on November 15, 2024 at 9:00am in the Griffin Grand Ballroom.

Kwame will also be participating in several other events during the symposium as noted below:

11:15am: Book Signing (Griffin Grand Ballroom)

1:00pm: Panel Discussion with other Symposium Speakers Moderated by Dr. Jonda McNair (Griffin Grand Ballroom)

2:00pm: Breakout Session: An Interactive Q&A with Kwame Alexander (Great Hall 1 & 2)

4:00pm: Book Signing (Griffin Grand Ballroom)

Register HERE.

Join Kwame in his hometown of Chesapeake, VA as he talks about Black Star, the second book in his Door of No Return triology. He'll share readings from the book, talk about the Chesapeake connection and do a Q&A with the audience.

A book signing will follow.

Kwame joins Jarred Amato for a discussion on the transformative power of books in education where they will focus on their role in fostering literacy, empathy, critical thinking and cultural understanding among students. A book signing will follow the discussion.

Find out more HERE!

Kwame joins author/illustrator A.S. King, and educators Penny Kittle (Plymouth State University) and Kelly Gallagher (Anaheim Union High School District) for a panel discussion focusing on how reading and writing helps to develop and nurture the curiosity and creativity of young people.

Kwame will join Randy Preston, his long-time musical partner and co-author of How To Sing A Song, for a conversation about their new charming picture book meant for young readers who want raise their voice and sing the vibrant song of their soul. Kwame and Randy will also discuss Black Star, the recently released second book in Kwame's Door of No Return triology which features a young girl obsessed with playing professional baseball but has to contend with segregation and the rising tensions in her small town.

Join Kwame, in conversation with author Angela Shante, as he discusses his non-traditional memoir Why Fathers Cry at Night which features poems, recipes, letters and other personal artifacts that illuminate the life of a man who is learning to love and his anthology This Is The Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets celebrating hope, heart and heritage.

Due to a death in the family, Kwame's Author Study with Mo Willems will be postponed until a later date yet to be determined.

Join Kwame and iconic children’s book author Mo Willems to learn about developing strong characters with words and illustrations.

Students will hear Kwame read from one of his children's books, then learn a strategy for creating strong characters in a brief writing lesson. They’ll learn from Kwame and Mo in a conversation about Mo’s approach to character as an author, illustrator, animator and playwright. The 45-minute virtual author visit ends with a live Q&A session, in which Kwame answers questions from children in the chat.

Register HERE!

Learn how Author Study supports student learning goals.