Kwame Alexander is #1 New York Times bestselling author of 45 books, including Why Fathers Cry at Night, Black Star, a Coretta Scott King Author Honor book, J vs K, an illustrated novel he penned with Jerry Craft, the motivational primer for graduates, creatives, and professionals, entitled Say Yes, and The Crossover, his Newbery-Medal winning novel-turned Emmy® Award-winning Disney+ TV series. He is also the co-creator and executive producer of the Emmy®-nominated Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band and Acoustic Rooster: Jazzy Jams, a PBS KIDS special and series of shorts produced by GBH Kids based on his beloved children’s book of the same name. He regularly shares his passion for literacy, books and the craft of writing around the world. A recipient of the 2025 NAACP Image Award, Alexander is a 2026 Sine 250+ Fellow at American University and the founder of the literacy non-profit, One Word at a Time.

October 22, 2026

The Plymouth Public Library Foundation is pleased to co-sponsor and host a day in Plymouth for Kwame Alexander.

Our co-sponsors are the Town of Plymouth Promotions Fund, America’s Hometown Laureates, Inc., the Plymouth Foundation, and the Local Seen. The program consists of a number of events.

A live and virtual writing workshop for Plymouth’s 6th and 7th grade students.
VIP invitation-only cocktail reception at the library
Poetry reading and conversation with Kwame Alexander and Miriam O’Neil, Plymouth’s Poet Laureate – Open to the Public
Book Signing

The complete schedule for the evening’s events:

5:30
6:30
7:00
8:00

VIP Reception
Doors Open to the Public
Poetry Reading and Conversation
Book Signing

Alexander’s Books are this Fall’s Plymouth Community Reads

In anticipation of Mr. Alexander’s arrival, the Plymouth Public Library is hosting two Community Reads this fall. A limited number of each book will be available for pick-up at the library on September 8th.

A memoir in love poems, letters, and recipes in remembrance.

Discussion: Thursday September 17; 6:30 – 8:00
Plymouth Public Library, South Street

An Anthology of Black Poets

Discussion: Thursday October 15; 6:30 – 8:00
Plymouth Public Library, South Street