Books by Kwame Alexander

20 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 15 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
The Door of No Return
Ancestor Trilogy
1 book · Ages 10–14

Standalone Books (Ages 8–11)

Cover of Kupenda Love Poems
Kupenda Love Poems
Kwame Alexander
A radiant collection of love poems by Kwame Alexander designed to inspire the heart, celebrate new relationships, and of
Ages 10–18
Cover of Crush: Love Poems
Crush: Love Poems
Kwame Alexander
This soulful collection of poetry by Kwame Alexander and others explores the beauty and complexity of love, perfect for
Ages 8–12
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 Light for the World to See: A Thousand Words on Race and Hope
Light for the World to See: A Thousand Words on Race and Hope
Kwame Alexander
Kwame Alexander delivers a potent collection of three poems that delve into the heart of racism and oppression in Americ
Ages 10–18
Cover of Becoming Muhammad Ali
Becoming Muhammad Ali
James Patterson, Kwame Alexander
Before he was Muhammad Ali, Cassius Clay was a kid facing struggles like racism and school challenges. This biographical
Ages 10–14
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 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 Black Star
Black Star
Kwame Alexander
Twelve-year-old Charley dreams of being the first female professional baseball pitcher in the 1920s South. Inspired by h
Ages 10–14
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
Cover of The Mighty Macy
The Mighty Macy
Kwame Alexander
For the child navigating big challenges, this poetic journey empowers readers to discover their own voice and resilience
Ages 9–13

By Age Range

Ages 0–3
5 books
Indigo Blume and the Garden CityAcoustic Rooster and His Barnyard BandThe Undefeated
Ages 4–7
9 books
Indigo Blume and the Garden CityAcoustic Rooster and His Barnyard BandSurf's Up
Ages 8–11
14 books
Kupenda Love PoemsCrush: Love PoemsThe Crossover
Ages 12–18
11 books
Kupenda Love PoemsCrush: Love PoemsHe Said, She Said

Common Themes

Self-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceGrowing UpEmpathy & KindnessCuriosity & WonderJoy & GratitudeBeing DifferentLove & Family

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
My Invisible Boyfriend
Susanna Mary Day
My Invisible Boyfriend
Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider
Megan McDonald
Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider