Kwame Alexander, poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author, is the featured speaker for the Maryville Talks Books series presentation at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, in the Maryville University Auditorium.

The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.Seating is first-come, first-served. The presentation will be followed by a book signing, courtesy of Left Banks Books.

About Kwame Alexander

Alexander has authored 21 books, including his novel The Crossover, recipient of the 2015 Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children. His other works include the award-winning children’s picture book Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band, recently optioned as a children’s television show, and the Junior Library Selection, He Said She Said, a young adult novel. The founder of two organizations, Book-in-a-Day and LEAP for Ghana, he regularly travels the world as a literacy advocate and expert.