Kwame Alexander is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 44 books, including Why Fathers Cry at Night, How Sweet The Sound, J vs. K – an illustrated novel he penned with Jerry Craft – and the just released motivational primer for graduates, creatives, and professionals entitled Say Yes. Often infused with rhythm and vivid storytelling, Alexander’s award-winning books resonate with young readers through themes of identity, family, and resilience. His breakout novel The Crossover, written in dynamic free verse, earned the 2015 Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Honor. Across genres, Alexander blends lyrical poetry with themes of identity, family, and social justice, as seen in works like The Undefeated, a Caldecott Medal and Newbery Honor winner, and Becoming Muhammad Ali, written with James Patterson.

Alexander’s Why Fathers Cry at Night combines poetry, memoir, letters, and recipes as he explores the emotional landscape of fatherhood, divorce, and healing. Through lyrical and candid writing, Alexander confronts his past and centers moments of growth and love through a layered portrait of masculinity and vulnerability. Kirkus Review says of the poetic memoir:

“Alexander connects disparate forms through his disarmingly forthright, humble voice, familiar vernacular, and optimism. This magnanimous hybrid-form memoir is rich with solace and wisdom.”

He is an Emmy Award-winning producer of The Crossover, his Newbery Medal-winning novel turned Disney+ TV series. Alexander is currently collaborating with Christopher Jackson and Candrice Jones on The Crossover musical, a Chautauqua Theater Company commission which will be directed by Jade King Carroll. He is the creator of the Emmy®-nominated animated PBS special Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Band, and the host of America’s Next Great Author, the first reality television show for writers which is produced by Libby and Kanopy and will premiere in 2026.

A recipient of the 2025 NAACP Image Award, Alexander is also the Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts for Chautauqua Literary Arts. He regularly shares his passion for literacy, books and the craft of writing around the world, including Ghana, West Africa, where he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic. He is the founder of the literacy initiatives Book‑in‑a‑Day and Publisher Versify, and continues to amplify voices through workshops, podcasts, and global mentorship.

Learn more at kwamealexander.com and onewordcommunity.org