Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times bestselling author of 24 books, including THE CROSSOVER, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children. Kwame writes for children of all ages. His other works include HE SAID SHE SAID, a YA novel; BOOKED, a middle grade novel; and several picture books, including SURF’S UP, ANIMAL ARK, and OUT OF WONDER. Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his non-fiction debut, THE PLAYBOOK, and his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.