23/07/2025
This week, we revisit our episode with Kwame Alexander while we take a quick summer break!
Kwame Alexander recently interviewed the esteemed and now former Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, for the American Library Association’s Annual Conference in Philadelphia. They talked about the power of poetry, the role of libraries in creating access and imagination, how Dr. Hayden remains hopeful and positive in this moment, and, of course, how books can help kids be better humans and dreamers. It was such an inspiring conversation that we wanted to re-air this much earlier episode with the bestselling, beloved author (and, turns out, incredible interviewer!) Kwame Alexander.
Kwame is best known for "The Crossover," "The Undefeated," "Black Star," "This Is The Honey," and numerous other novels and poetry collections. He won the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Book Award among many other awards. In this episode, Kwame tells us about his upbringing surrounded by Black storytelling and literature, reveals his secret to making middle-schoolers think he’s cool, and shares about why he thinks his job includes showing kids "a different side of masculinity." Beloved by parents, educators, and students alike, Kwame's ability to ignite a love of reading (especially middle school boys) through poetry and characters who reflect their real experiences is unmatched.
Also, his story about toes will never get old!
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This episode’s Beanstack Featured Librarian is Kirsten Weaver, the programming specialist for the Indianapolis Public Library. She shares some heartwarming stories about a book club she runs for teens at a residential treatment facility.
