KWAME ALEXANDER

Josh Bell et son frère jumeau Jordan sont les stars de leur équipe de basket ball. Ils ont de qui tenir : leur père est un ancien joueur international, qui a arrêté prématurément sa carrière, mais qu

This powerful memoir from a #1 New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medalist features poetry, letters, recipes, and other personal artifacts that provide an intimate look into his life and the loved ones he shares it with. In an intimate and non-traditional (or "new-fashioned") memoir, Kwame Alexander shares snapshots of a man learning how to love. He takes us through stories of his parents: from being awkward newlyweds in the sticky Chicago summer of 1967, to the sometimes-confusing ways they showed their love to each other, and for him. He explores his own relationshipshis difficulties as a newly wedded, 22-year-old father, and the precariousness of his early marriage working in a jazz club with his second wife. Alexander attempts to deal with the unravelling of his marriage and the grief of his mothers recent passing while sharing the solace he found in learning how to perfect her famous fried chicken dish. With an open heart, Alexander weaves together memories of his past to try and understand his greatest love: his daughters. Full of heartfelt reminisces, family recipes, love poems, and personal letters, Why Fathers Cry at Night inspires bravery and vulnerability in every reader who has experienced the reckless passion, heartbreak, failure, and joy that define the whirlwind woes and wonders of love.

Été 1988, Charlie Bell a 3 passions dans la vie : Mickael Jackson, Mickael Jordan et son père. Quand ce dernier meurt brutalement, tout disparaît autour de Charlie. Seules restent la tristesse, la co

A breathtaking poetry collection on hope, heart, and heritage from the most prominent and promising Black poets and writers of our time, edited by #1 New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander. In this comprehensive and vibrant poetry anthology, bestselling author and poet Kwame Alexander curates a collection of contemporary anthems at turns tender and piercing and deeply inspiring throughout. Featuring work from well-loved poets such as Rita Dove, Jericho Brown, Warsan Shire, Ross Gay, Tracy K. Smith, Terrance Hayes, Morgan Parker, and Nikki Giovanni, This Is the Honey is a rich and abundant offering of language from the poets giving voice to generations of resilient joy, each incantation, as Mahogany L. Browne puts it in her titular poem, is a jubilee of a people dreaming wildly. This essential collection, in the tradition of Dudley Randalls The Black Poets and E. Ethelbert Millers In Search of Color Everywhere, contains poems exploring joy, love, origin, race, resistance, and praise. Jacqueline A.Trimble likens Black woman joy to indigo, tassels, foxes, and peacock plumes. Tyree Daye, Nate Marshall, and Elizabeth Acevedo reflect on the meaning of home through food, from Cuban rice and beans to fried chicken gizzards. Clint Smith and Cameron Awkward-Rich enfold us in their intimate musings on love and devotion. From a jewel in the hand (Patricia Spears Jones) to butter melting in small pools (Elizabeth Alexander), This Is the Honey drips with poignant and delightful imagery, music, and raised fists. Fresh, memorable, and deeply moving, this definitive collection a must-have for any lover of language and a gift for our time.

The 1 New York Times bestsellerShortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Writing At once vivid and simple lyrical and surgical expressive and exacting Lupita Nyong oDreams are today s answers for tomorrow s questions Eleven year old Kofi Offin has dreams of water of its urgent whisper that beckons with promises and secrets He has heard the call on the banks of Upper Kwanta West Africa where he lives He loves these things above all else his family the fireside tales of his father s father a girl named Ama and of course swimming But when the unthinkable a sudden death occurs during a festival between rival villages Kofi ends up in a fight for his life What happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea and away from everything he loves Yet Kofi s dreams may be the key to his freedom

Set during the turbulent segregation era Kwame Alexander weaves a spellbinding story of struggle determination and the unflappable faith of an American family Twelve year old Charley is set on becoming the first female pitcher to play professional baseball even if that s a lofty dream for a Black girl in the American South in the 1920s Even so her grandfather Kofi s thrilling stories about courageous ancestors and epic journeys make it impossible not to dream big She knows he has so much more to tell but according to her parents she isn t old enough to know about certain things like what happened to Booker Preston that one night in Great Bridge and why she can never play on the brand new baseball field on the other side of town When Charley challenges a neighbourhood bully to a game at the church picnic she knows she can win even with her ragtag team Then a dispute on the field leads to Charley making a fateful decision one that will bring consequences she never could have imagined

SHORTLISTED FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL and the CLIPPA Hoop kings SOARin kicks with wings Game so sweetit s like bee stings It s 1988 Charlie Bell is still mourning his father and struggling to figure out how he feels for his best girl friend CJ When he gets into trouble one too many times he s packed off to stay with his grandparents for the summer There his cousin Roxie introduces him to a whole new world basketball A legend on the courts is born But can Charlie resist when trouble comes knocking once again From the New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander Rebound is a stunning coming of age novel in verse about basketball family and staying true to yourself A prequel to The Crossover winner of the Newbery Medal and follow up to Booked highly commended for the CLiPPA prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal With comic book illustrations from award winning graphic novel artist Dawud Anyabwile

From the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award winning author Kwame Alexander, comes a searing and breathtaking story of a boy, a village, and the epic odyssey of an African family. In his village in Upper Kwanta, 11-year-old Kofi loves his family, playing oware with his grandfather and swimming in the river Offin. Hes warned though, to never go to the river at night. His brother tells him There are things about the water you do not know. Like what?" Kofi asks. The beasts. His brother answers. One fateful night, the unthinkable happens and in a flash, Kofis world turns upside down. Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life and what happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves. This spellbinding novel by the author of The Crossover and Booked will take you on an unforgettable adventure that will open your eyes and break your heart. The Door of No Return is an excellent choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, book groups, and homeschooling.An instant #1 New York Times Bestseller!

The #1 New York Times bestseller'At once vivid and simple, lyrical and surgical, expressive and exacting' Lupita Nyong'oDreams are todays answers for tomorrows questions.Eleven-year-old Kofi Offin has dreams of water, of its urgent whisper that beckons with promises and secrets. He has heard the call on the banks of Upper Kwanta, West Africa, where he lives. He loves these things above all else: his family, the fireside tales of his fathers father, a girl named Ama, and, of course, swimming. But when the unthinkable a sudden death occurs during a festival between rival villages, Kofi ends up in a fight for his life. What happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves. Yet Kofis dreams may be the key to his freedom

Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess is a New York Times bestseller! Kirkus Reviews said Solo is, A contemporary heros journey, brilliantly told. Through the story of a young Black man searching for answers about his life, Solo empowers, engages, and encourages teenagers to move from heartache to healing, burden to blessings, depression to deliverance, and trials to triumphs.Blade never asked for a life of the rich and famous. In fact, hed give anything not to be the son of Rutherford Morrison, a washed-up rock star and drug addict with delusions of a comeback. Or to no longer be part of a family known most for lost potential, failure, and tragedy, including the loss of his mother. The one true light is his girlfriend, Chapel, but her parents have forbidden their relationship, assuming Blade will become just like his father.In reality, the only thing Blade and Rutherford have in common is the music that lives inside them. And songwriting is all Blade has left after Rutherford, while drunk, crashes his high school graduation speech and effectively rips Chapel away forever. But when a long-held family secret comes to light, the music disappears. In its place is a letter, one that could bring Blade the freedom and love hes been searching for, or leave him feeling even more adrift.Solo: Is written by New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Book Award-winner Kwame Alexander Showcases Kwames signature intricacy, intimacy, and poetic style, by exploring what it means to finally go home An #OwnVoices novel that features a BIPOC protagonist on a search for his roots and identity Received great reviews from Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus.If you enjoy Solo, check out Swing by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess.

In this YA novel in verse from bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess (Solo), which Kirkus called lively, moving, and heartfelt in a starred review, Noah and Walt just want to leave their geek days behind and find cool, but in the process discover a lot about first loves, friendship, and embracing life . . . as well as why Black Lives Matter is so important for all.Best friends Noah and Walt are far from popular, but Walt is convinced junior year is their year, and he has a plan that includes wooing the girls of their dreams and becoming amazing athletes. Never mind he and Noah failed to make their baseball team yet again, and Noahs crush since third grade, Sam, has him firmly in the friend zone. While Walt focuses on his program of jazz, podcasts, batting cages, and a Hug Life mentality, Noah feels stuck in status quo until he stumbles on a stash of old love letters. Each one contains words Noahs always wanted to say to Sam, and he begins secretly creating artwork using the lines that speak his heart. But when his art becomes public, Noah has a decision to make: continue his life in the dugout and possibly lose the girl forever, or take a swing and finally speak out.At the same time, American flags are being left around town. While some think its a harmless prank and others see it as a form of protest, Noah cant shake the feeling something bigger is happening to his community. Especially after he witnesses events that hint divides and prejudices run deeper than he realized.As the personal and social tensions increase around them, Noah and Walt must decide what is really important when it comes to love, friendship, sacrifice, and fate.Swing: is written by New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winner Kwame Alexander Features a diverse array of characters and perspectives tackles the biggest social issues of today, including racial prejudice and Black Lives Matter is perfect reading for the classroom or community-wide discussions is a 2020 YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers contains original artwork tied to the story If you enjoy Swing, check out Solo by Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess.

Two literary heavy-hittersNew York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander and the worlds #1 bestselling author James Pattersondeliver a knockout critically acclaimed bestselling biographical novel about cultural icon Muhammad Ali. Before he was a household name, Cassius Clay was a kid with struggles like any other. Kwame Alexander and James Patterson join forces to vividly depict his life up to age seventeen in both prose and verse, including his childhood friends, struggles in school, the racism he faced, and his discovery of boxing. Readers will learn about Cassius family and neighbors in Louisville, Kentucky, and how, after a thief stole his bike, Cassius began training as an amateur boxer at age twelve. Before long, he won his first Golden Gloves bout and began his transformation into the unrivaled Muhammad Ali. Fully authorized by and written in cooperation with the Muhammad Ali estate, and vividly brought to life by Dawud Anyabwiles dynamic artwork, Becoming Muhammad Ali captures the budding charisma and youthful personality of one of the greatest sports heroes of all time.Winner of the 2021-2022 Sunshine State Young Readers Award (Grades 6-8) and 2022 Magnolia Book Award, and nominated for six state awards!"Utterly delightful ... a smash hit." School Library Journal (starred review) "A knockout!" Booklist (starred review) "Stellar" Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Powerful." Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A Coretta Scott King Honor BookThe thrilling follow up to the #1 New York Times bestseller The Door of No Return stars Kofis granddaughter, Charley, whos set on becoming the first female pitcher to play professional ball but who soon has to contend with the tensions about to boil over in her segregated town.You cant protect her from knowing. The truth is all we have. 12-year old Charley Cuffey is many things: a granddaughter, a best friend, and probably the best pitcher in all of Lees Mill. Set on becoming the first female pitcher to play professional ball, Charley doesnt need reminders from her best friend Cool Willie Green to know that she has lofty dreams for a Black girl in the American South. Even so, Nana Kofis thrilling stories about courageous ancestors and epic journeys make it impossible not to dream big. She knows he has so many more to tell, but according to her parents, she isnt old enough to know about certain things like what happened to Booker Preston that one night in Great Bridge and why she can never play on the brand-new real deal baseball field on the other side of town. When Charley challenges a neighborhood bully to a game at the church picnic, she knows she can win, even with her ragtag team. But when the picnic spills over onto their ball field, she makes a fateful decision. A child cannot protect herself if she does not know her history, and Charleys choice brings consequences she never could have imagined. In this riveting follow up to The Door of No Return, set during the turbulent segregation era, and the beginning of The Great Migration, Kwame Alexander weaves a spellbinding story of struggle, determination, and the unflappable faith of an American family.

A young girl finds her voiceand discovers the power of speaking up for herself and her communityin this sweet and humorous chapter book by award-winning, #1 bestselling author Kwame Alexander. Perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean and Ruby and the Booker Boys. A winning narrative about the power of language and learning to stand up for ones beliefs. Publishers Weekly, starred review When Macy gets book one of The Mighty Zora series for her birthday, she stays up until 11:34pm finishing the book. But the next day, when Macy gets to her school library, eager to check out book two, she finds the door locked with a sign explaining that the library will now only be open a few days a week due to budget cuts. Even worse, she finds out her father wont be home to help her figure out what to do, as he will be traveling to a museum in Montgomery, Alabama to read a poem about civil rights. With help from her fellow third graders, support from her mom, and encouragement from poems written and hidden for her by her father, Macy must find her voice and learn the power of advocating for herself and her community. Can Macy learn to be Mighty? Tender and powerful, this unique chapter book in verse is a delight highly recommended for elementary fiction shelves. School Library Journal, starred review An excellent choice for independent readers and classroom read-alouds. Like Macy, this story is one of a kind.Booklist, starred review Unputdownable. Kirkus Reviews, starred review

A New York Times and IndieBound bestseller!Created by real-life rivals and #1 New York Times bestselling authors Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft this hilarious illustrated story features two talented fifth graders going head-to-head in a competition for the ages. J and K are the most creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the top five. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, its the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen. Its artist vs. writer with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top. This epic match-up from Newbery medal winners Kwame Alexander (The Crossover) and Jerry Craft (New Kid) celebrates comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.

From NPR correspondent and New York Times bestselling author, Kwame Alexander, comes a powerful and provocative collection of poems that cut to the heart of the entrenched racism and oppression in America and eloquently explores ongoing events. A book in the tradition of James Baldwins A Report from Occupied Territory, Light for the World to See is a rap session on race. A lyrical response to the struggles of Black lives in our world . . . to Americas crisis of conscience . . . to the centuries of loss, endless resilience, and unstoppable hope. Includes an introduction by the author and a bold, graphically designed interior.

The Crossover series, three explosive novels in verse about sports and family, in one digital collection. From Newbery Medal winner Kwame Alexander. Celebrate this masterful, rhythmic, and heartfelt contribution to childrens literature and rediscover Kwame Alexanders electric poetry with this collection, which includes Rebound, The Crossover, and Booked. Follow Chuck Bell during a pivotal childhood summer when he discovers basketball and learns about his familys past; fly down the court with twins Josh and Jordan Bell as they discover the crossovers between basketball, love, and life; race across the field with Nick Hall as he learns the power of words, wrestles with problems at home, and navigates coming-of-age with all the action and emotion of a World Cup. Streaming series coming soon on Disney+, with executive producers including NBA great LeBron James!This award-winning collection captures all the heart and hustle of growing up, with three complete novels in verse:Basketball and Brotherhood: Twin brothers Josh and Jordan are kings on the court, but when a new girl comes between them and a family health crisis looms, their bond is tested like never before. Soccer and Self-Discovery: Twelve-year-old Nick Hall loves soccer but hates books. He must find the power in words to navigate his parents separation, stand up to a bully, and impress the girl of his dreams. A Fathers Legacy: Travel back in time to a pivotal summer in Chuck Da Man Bells childhood, where he first discovers the magic of basketball and learns the truth about his familys history. Award-Winning Novels in Verse: Experience the signature rhythm and heart of Newbery Medal winner Kwame Alexander with three complete, unforgettable novels told entirely in verse.

Sparks will fly in this hip-hop-hot teen novel that mixes social protest and star-crossed romance, from Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Honorwinning author Kwame Alexander! He Said, She Said is perfect for fans of Walter Dean Myers and Rachel Vail alike.He says: Omar "T-Diddy" Smalls has got it madea full football ride to UMiami, hero-worship status at school, and pick of any girl at West Charleston High. She says: Football, shmootball. Heres what Claudia Clarke cares about: Harvard, the poor, the disenfranchised, the hungry, the staggering teen pregnancy rate, investigative journalism . . . the list goes on. She does not have a minute to waste on Mr. T-Diddy Smalls and his harem of bimbos.He Said, She Said is a fun and fresh novel from Kwame Alexander that throws these two high school seniors together when they unexpectedly end up leading the biggest social protest this side of the Mississippiwith a lot of help from Facebook and Twitter. The stakes are high, the romance is hot, and when these worlds collide, watch out!Opposites Attract Romance: Hes the star quarterback who has it all. Shes the brilliant activist who couldnt care less. Neither is prepared for the chemistry that ignites when theyre forced to work together. Dual POV: Told in alternating "He says, She says" chapters, get both sides of this hilarious and heartfelt story as Omar and Claudia navigate their unexpected partnership. Enemies to Lovers: She thinks hes a shallow jock with a harem of bimbos; he thinks shes too serious for her own good. But leading a student rebellion has a funny way of turning rivalry into romance. Social Justice Fiction for Teens: When budget cuts threaten their schools arts programs, Omar and Claudia use their witsand a lot of social mediato spark a student movement thats bigger than either of them imagined.

A companion to the Newbery Medal-winning middle grade novel The Crossover, the basis of the show streaming on Disney+!What can we imagine for our lives? What if we were the star players, moving and grooving through the game of life? What if we had our own rules of the game to help us get what we want, what we aspire to, what will enrich our lives?Illustrated with photographs by Thai Neave, The Playbook is intended to provide inspiration on the court of life. Each rule contains wisdom from inspiring athletes and role models such as Nelson Mandela, Serena Williams, LeBron James, Carli Lloyd, Steph Curry, and Michelle Obama. Kwame Alexander also shares his own stories of overcoming obstacles and winning games in this motivational and inspirational book for readers of any age and for anyone needing a little bit of encouragement.You gotta know the rules to play the game. Ball is life. Take it to the hoop. Soar.

From the New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander comes Rebound, the dynamic prequel to his Newbery Awardwinning novel in verse, The Crossover. Before Josh and Jordan Bell were streaking up and down the court, their father was learning his own moves. Chuck Bell takes center stage as readers get a glimpse of his childhood and how he became the jazz music worshiping, basketball star his sons look up to.A novel in verse with all the impact and rhythm readers have come to expect from Kwame Alexander, Rebound goes back in time to visit the childhood of Chuck "Da Man" Bell during one pivotal summer when young Charlie is sent to stay with his grandparents where he discovers basketball and learns more about his familys past.This prequel to the Newbery Medal- and Coretta Scott King Award-winning The Crossover scores.