Newberry award-winning author Kwame Alexander had Middle and Upper school students roaring with laughter during his talk on Monday morning.

While the poet, educator, and author comically engaged students with stories from his personal life, Alexander weaved into his talk encouraging words about perseverance and inspired students to translate their emotions and surroundings into writing.

Alexander shared with students the long and hard road he travelled to getting his novel, “The Crossover” published. One rejection letter after another, he never gave up. The book went on to win a Newberry medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children.

Shipley’s Library Director, Elizabeth Cousins, said when Alexander read his poetry, it was with a cadence that many of the students would find familiar from popular rap and hip hop artists. “They particularly enjoyed his stories of being shy and trying to ask a young woman, to whom he’d never spoken, to the prom,” she said. “He was self-deprecating and touched on many of the experiences that they’ve all had. He just channeled his experiences into poetry!”

Kwame Alexander’s visit motivated students to cultivate a love of writing through expression and creativity. These experiences foster The Shipley Method’s deeply-rooted learning.