Tuesday, February 10th, was a special day at the Hamilton Grange Library—Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander visited the branch and met with students from KIPP STAR and New Heights Academy in Harlem. 

Mr. Alexander's visit came less than a week after his most recent novel, The Crossover, became the recipient of the 2015 Newbery Medal, the American Library Association’s the top award given to "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

It might sound like I'm exaggerating, but it's no small feat to have the opportunity to listen to a Newbery winner, especially one who is as eloquent and engaging as Mr. Alexander. Fluid and funny, he easily captured the attention of the large group of middle school students that made up the audience. He kept them on their toes by switching between personal anecdotes, poetry readings, and questions that were directed at the audience. The questions ranged from asking who among them was a great basketball player (and the person who answered got to act out one of Kwame's basketball-related poems) to who could recite a couple of lines of Kwame's poetry. Students who answered his questions correctly received a signed copy of The Crossover. 

It was a wonderful opportunity to hear him speak, and the teens at the Library were able to  celebrate his poetry and his writing. It brought to light the many ways that children and teens can discover their own love for reading and verse. Interacting with Mr. Alexander allowed the students to understand that being a good or active reader doesn't mean liking a certain type of book.

It’s okay to read a book about a teen boy dealing with everyday problems.

It’s okay if the book you want to read revolves largely around basketball.

It’s even okay if the book you’re reading is entirely written in verse.

The event closed out with an impromptu poetry slam, during which audience members were invited up to recite a poem that they had written or memorized. The winner, who recited a poem she had written herself, won a signed copy of The Crossover. It was the perfect way to end a commemoration of poetry and reading while giving the audience an excuse to check out a wonderful new book and dive into some poetry!

Mr. Alexander is a poet, author of 18 books, and founder of two literacy organizations: Book-in-a-Day and LEAP for Ghana. He conducts writing/publishing workshops at schools and conferences, has 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 radio show, worked for the U.S. Government, and taught high school.  To keep up with Kwame Alexander's new projects and writing, check out his Book-In-A-Day website. Also, check out the NYPL's collection of Mr. Alexander's novels and poetry in our catalog.