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South Jordan Journal

Newberry Award-Winning Author Travels to West Jordan

Apr 05, 2016 11:04AM ● By Rachel Hall

By Tori La Rue | [email protected]

A New York Times Bestselling Author of 21 books will visit the Viridian Center on Friday, April 8, for a question and answer session and book signing opportunity.

Kwame Alexander’s newest book, “Booked,” was released Tuesday, April 5. It’s a follow-up to his novel, “The Crossover,” which won the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, among four other awards. Both books are written poetically. “Booked” contains free verse, acrostics and haiku, according to Alexander’s website.

“I’ve always thought that if you want to get reluctant readers engaged with literature, start with poetry,” Alexander said on his blog. “Read them Nikki Giovanni, teach them haiku, plan an open mic, let them be firsthand witnesses to the power of accessible, relatable poetry.”

In addition to being an author and poet, Alexander is the founder of a student-run publishing program that’s helped more than 3000 students author books and LEAP for Ghana, an international literacy project that trains teachers and builds libraries.

Come see and speak with Alexander at the Viridian Event Center at 8030 South 1825 West in West Jordan. He’ll be there from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and his books will be available for purchase.