Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty-five books, including his Newbery Medal-winning middle grade novel, The Crossover . Some of his other works include Booked , which was longlisted for the National Book Award; The Playbook : 52 Rules to Help You Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game of Life; Swing; the picture books How to Read a Book and How to Write a Poem (coauthored with Deanna Nikaido) , both illustrated by Melissa Sweet; and The Undefeated, illustrated by Kadir Nelson , which was longlisted for the National Book Award and won the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor Award, and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. He is a regular contributor to NPR's Morning Edition, currently serving as their poet ambassador. He lives in Virginia with his family. Visit his website at kwamealexander.com.