Nationally acclaimed poet, author, publisher and producer to act as writer-in-residence at Niskayuna High School

One of the most successful and innovative figures in contemporary American literature, Kwame Alexander will share his literary experience with Niskayuna High School students during a writer-in-residence program in March.
A well-known poet, author, publisher and producer, Alexander will conduct a series of lectures and writer’s workshops during a two-day residency on March 27-28. He will then return to the high school on April 27 to read from his extensive anthology of poems and short stories during Java Jive, the high school’s annual literary forum that provides an opportunity for students to read their original writing or excerpts from favorite authors.
"A good poem is like a glass of sweet lemonade, and I plan to squeeze some wonderful words out of the students in Niskayuna,” said Alexander. “We're going to work, but we'll also enjoy the cool and magical world of poetry."
High School English Department Director Eva Jones said the Writer in Residence program offers students an opportunity to get a first-hand account of the life of a published writer.
“When I heard Kwame Alexander speak at the New York State English Council conference, I knew he could offer something special to our students,” said Jones. “I think they will enjoy his diverse background as well as his recent poetry written with high school students in mind. We are very excited about working with him.”
Considered a “renaissance man” and “phenom” by many in the world of poetry, Alexander has captivated audiences with his cutting–edge style and spirited lectures at coffeehouses, theaters, and universities throughout the country and overseas. He has published eight books including the best-selling “Do the Write Thing: 7 Steps to Publishing Success,” “Kupenda: Love Poems,” and “Book of Rhymes,” a collection of young adult short stories. This spring, his ninth book, “Crush: Love Poems,” a compilation of emotionally-charged poems for young adults will be released.
A publishing veteran at the age of 37, Alexander has established two successful publishing companies and, for over 15 years, has been responsible for some of today’s most progressive, original and exciting fiction and non-fiction work, having published over forty authors in different genres.
Alexander has hosted and produced over two hundred live literary-related readings, programs and festivals, and is developing two literary-related television programs. He resides in the Washington, D.C. area with his wife and daughter.
Community members are invited to Java Jive on April 27 at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria to hear Alexander and high school students take turns reading selected pieces. Admission is $5, and partial proceeds will the National Eating Disorder Association.
For additional information about Kwame Alexander, please visit his web site at www.kwamealexander.com.

(March 2007)