Alexander is the Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts and Inaugural Writer-in-Residence at Chautauqua Institution, a role that connects him to the region and its learning communities.

“It was an honor and a privilege to welcome Emmy Award-winning producer and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander to our campus,” said Dr. Josh Liddell, Chautauqua Lake superintendent. “He was truly inspiring with our students–his energy, insight, and authenticity are an extraordinary gift. Kwame is not only a remarkable artist, but also someone who genuinely loves sharing his craft with others.”

Alexander is the bestselling author of 40 books, including Why Fathers Cry at Night, An American Story, The Door of No Return, Becoming Muhammad Ali (co-authored with James Patterson), Rebound, which was shortlisted for the prestigious UK Carnegie Medal, and The Undefeated — the National Book Award nominee, Newbery Honor, and Caldecott Medal-winning picture book illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

“We have some serious Kwame Alexander fans at our school,” said Chautauqua Lake Principal Rachel Curtin. “I had the chance to learn from him this summer alongside our students and teachers at Chautauqua Institution, and knew instantly, this author can change lives. He helps kids believe their words matter, their voices matter, and that they can say yes to themselves and their dreams. That’s what we want for our students, to find their voice, take creative risks, and believe in their own stories.”

Kwame Alexander is pictured reading at Chautauqua Lake Central School during a recent visit.

The Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts and Inaugural Writer-in-Residence at Chautauqua Institution, Alexander is the recipient of numerous awards, including The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, three NAACP Image Award nominations and the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award. In 2018, he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic in Ghana, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an international literacy program he co-founded. Alexander is executive producer, showrunner, and Emmy-winning writer of “The Crossover” TV series, which premiered on Disney+ in April 2023. “The Crossover” was produced in partnership with LeBron James’ SpringHill Company and Big Sea Entertainment. “Kwame Alexander kept middle school students engaged the entire time he spoke,” said English teacher Michelle Rowe. “It’s an impressive feat if you have ever worked with 11 to 14 year olds. His message about saying “yes” was powerful, but also relevant to our students and CLCS, and also he was incredibly funny.”

While many know Alexander as the Newbery Medal-winning author of The Crossover, he shared stories of some of his earlier works that were rejected. Rather than giving up, he chose to self-publish, an act of persistence that resonated with students and staff alike.

“He was an amazing guy,” said Brennan Wolfe. “He made me feel included, and I think he made everyone feel that way.” Fellow student Liam Mulkins agreed: “He had me laughing a lot, and I love that he said, ‘never give up.’ That is a life lesson.”

Kwame Alexander is pictured reading at Chautauqua Lake Central School during a recent visit.