Books by Kwame Alexander

26 books · Ages 0–18

Known for the Acoustic Rooster and The Crossover series, Kwame Alexander writes picture books and middle grade and young adult for ages 0–18, alongside 18 standalone books, exploring themes of self-confidence & identity, resilience & perseverance, growing up.

Series

Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band
Acoustic Rooster Sings the Alphabet
Acoustic Rooster
2 books · Ages 0–7
The Crossover
The Crossover
The Crossover
2 books · Ages 8–14
Booked
Booked
Rebound
The Crossover Series
3 books · Ages 10–14
The Door of No Return
Ancestor Trilogy
1 book · Ages 10–14

Standalone Books (Ages 4–7)

Cover of Indigo Blume and the Garden City
Indigo Blume and the Garden City
Kwame Alexander
Indigo Blume transforms her inner-city neighborhood by planting a beautiful garden, inspiring her community with creativ
Ages 3–7
Cover of Surf's Up
Surf's Up
Kwame Alexander
For children curious about stories and the thrill of new experiences, this book follows two friends, one immersed in rea
Ages 4–8
Cover of Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets
Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, Marjory Wentworth
For young readers curious about the power of words, this book ignites a love for poetry by introducing famous poets thro
Ages 7–12
Cover of The Undefeated
The Undefeated
Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander's Newbery-winning words and Kadir Nelson's stunning art combine in this ode to Black American strength.
Ages 3–7
Cover of Acoustic Rooster's Barnyard Boogie Starring Indigo Blume
Acoustic Rooster's Barnyard Boogie Starring Indigo Blume
Kwame Alexander
Indigo Blume, a timid hen, dreams of performing with Acoustic Rooster's band. When a storm destroys their barn, Indigo m
Ages 3–7
Cover of How to Write a Poem
How to Write a Poem
Kwame Alexander, Deanna Nikaido
From Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander and Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet, this book invites young readers to find their
Ages 4–8
Cover of An American Story
An American Story
Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander's award-winning book explores American slavery through a teacher's gentle yet honest narration, highligh
Ages 6–9
Cover of How Sweet the Sound: A Soundtrack for America
How Sweet the Sound: A Soundtrack for America
Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander celebrates the history of Black music in America, exploring the soulful sounds and stories that shaped a
Ages 4–11
Cover of The Mighty Macy
The Mighty Macy
Kwame Alexander
When third grader Macy's favorite school library faces budget cuts and closure, she must find her inner 'Mighty' to spea
Ages 7–10

By Age Range

Ages 0–3
5 books
Indigo Blume and the Garden City
Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band
The Undefeated
Ages 4–7
10 books
Indigo Blume and the Garden City
Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band
Surf's Up
Ages 8–11
20 books
Kupenda Love Poems
Crush: Love Poems
The Crossover
Ages 12–18
16 books
Kupenda Love Poems
Crush: Love Poems
He Said, She Said

Common Themes

Self-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceGrowing UpCuriosity & WonderEmpathy & KindnessLove & FamilyJoy & GratitudeFriendship & Loyalty

If Your Family Loves Kwame Alexander, Also Try

New Kids in Town Oral Histories of Immigrant Teens
Janet Bode
New Kids in Town Oral Histories of Immigrant Teens
Blind
Rachel DeWoskin
Blind
Josh Baxter Levels Up
Gavin Brown
Josh Baxter Levels Up
Undisclosed
Aya de León
Undisclosed
Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider
Megan McDonald
Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider