Kwame Alexander, winner of the Newbery Medal, is inventing new ways to reach young readers and address their complex lives through verse and sports. Alexander’s The Crossover and his latest, Booked, are tales of growing up in and around youth basketball and soccer, told in a style from acrostics to hip-hop poetry. He will discuss the inspiration and challenges of juggling stardom in the fast-changing field of young adult literature. Alexander will be in conversation with narrative and story master, Shepsu Aakhu, screenwriter, playwright, and director.

This program and student matinee are generously underwritten by Allstate Insurance Company with additional support from Lorraine and Jay Jaffe.