Winner2015
The Crossover
Written by Kwame Alexander
Twin brothers who are basketball stars face changes on and off the court. A novel in verse with the rhythm of basketball and hip-hop.
Ages 9 to 12
Kwame Alexander: books and awards
Kwame Alexander is a poet whose novel in verse, The Crossover, won the Newbery Medal. He also wrote The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, which won the Caldecott Medal.
Kwame Alexander wrote 4 books on our shelf that won or were recognized by the Newbery Medal, the Carnegie Medal for Writing, the Caldecott Medal and the Carnegie Medal for Illustration, between 2015 and 2024. 2 of them won. Most are for ages 9 to 12 and teens.
Award-winning books by Kwame Alexander
Winner2015
Shortlist2019
Winner2020
The Undefeated
Written by Kwame Alexander
A poem that honors Black Americans, from athletes and artists to everyday heroes and those lost to history, paired with Kadir Nelson's striking portraits. Equally powerful read aloud to children or kept on a family shelf.
- 2020 Caldecott Medal winner
- 2020 Newbery Medal Honor Book
- 2020 Carnegie Medal for Illustration shortlisted
Ages 6 to 8, Ages 9 to 12
Shortlist2024