TEMPLE, Texas — An award-winning, New York Times bestselling author and poet shared his experiences and words of encouragement with a group of students at Temple ISD’s Lamar Middle School Thursday morning (February 20).
Kwame Alexander, a poet, and New York Times best-selling author of 42 books, told the students that he wrote his first poem to his mother as a Mother’s Day present at the age of twelve. He was then inspired to pursue a career as a poet and author by a writing class he took at Virgina Tech University. He also shared the experience of rewriting his first book at least four times and having it rejected by 18 different publishers. Alexander was close to giving up on writing before deciding to publish the book on his own. That novel, “The Crossover,” would go on to win the Newbery Medal, recognizing distinguished contributions to American literature for children, and Alexander used that as an example of how the students should believe in themselves. He also recited some of his poetry, gave away a couple of his books, and signed a few autographs. Alexander also had a specific message he wanted the students to take away from his visit.
“I love books and I think books are cool,” Alexander said. “My goal is to show kids that books are cool, and I think I am the guy to do it. I want them to leave here wanting to read one of my books, but to read any book and to want to read it.”
Seven of Alexander’s books have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and he has won a multitude of honors for both his novels and his poetry. Alexander also won an Emmy Award for the Disney+ series based on “The Crossover.” In addition, he runs the Bookinaday program to introduce children to writing and publishing. Lamar Middle School principal Yvette Bradford and LMS librarian Linda Terry arranged Thursday’s visit after meeting Alexander during an event last month and Bradford was thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity for her students.
“I can be a connector by bringing someone who loves, cares for, and wants to inspire children to our school,” said Bradford. “He can show them how special they are and that they have gifts and talents that start as early as twelve. It shows them if they choose to use those talents and enjoy this experience that they can do something incredible. I think that is wonderful.”