Books by Kwame Alexander
The Undefeated
Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Kadir Nelson
***Winner of the 2020 Caldecott Medal***
“It’s about the contributions that African Americans have made to America and celebrating and exploring those. The poetry is striking and it’s such a perfect partnership between Kadir Nelson’s illustrations and Kwame Alexander’s words. It’s just this beautiful love letter to America.” Read more...
The Best Children’s Books: The 2020 Newbery Medal and Honor Winners
Krishna Grady, Librarian
Rebound
by Kwame Alexander
Rebound by Kwame Alexander is a children's book, aimed at tweens (ages 10-12 or so), and written in verse. It's about a boy recovering from his father's death and finding meaning in life through basketball. Kwame Alexander already won the Newbery Medal, America's biggest literary prize for children, for his book Crossover. Rebound is the prequel to that story. It's long, 400+ pages, but because it's written in verse, there's not too many words on each page, so the book's length shouldn't put off more reluctant readers.
“Written in free-verse, there’s some great bits of humour in there, and again this isn’t just a story about football.” Read more...
Best Football Books for Kids and Young Adults
Dave Cousins, Children's Author
Interviews where books by Kwame Alexander were recommended
Best Football Books for Kids and Young Adults, recommended by Dave Cousins
As World Cup fever builds to irresistible levels, there is no better time to get kids reading by presenting them with a few books about ‘the beautiful game.’ Award-winning children’s author and self-confessed football fanatic Dave Cousins, recommends five fantastic football books for kids and young adults.
The Best Children’s Books: The 2020 Newbery Medal and Honor Winners, recommended by Krishna Grady
After reading hundreds of newly published books and asking children and adults alike for their input, the winners of the 2020 Newbery Medal and Honors have been chosen. Librarian and chair of the selection committee Krishna Grady introduces us to the best new children’s books that will surprise, delight and hold your kid’s attention—including the first graphic novel to ever win the award.
Best Verse Novels for 8-12 Year Olds, recommended by Alison King
Verse fiction gets to the heart of a story without much text, the immediacy of the characters and the storyline making it instantly appealing to readers, including reluctant ones. Here, school librarian Alison King explains why everyone should read verse novels, and recommends her top picks for 8-12 year olds.
