Kwame Alexander Launches His New Book 'The Undefeated' in Toronto

By Neil Armstrong

Kwame Alexander, Miguel San Vicente and Randy Preston at A Different Booklist Cultural Centre on May 3, 2019

It was a very interactive night at A Different Booklist Cultural Centre in Toronto, Canada when poet, educator, and New York Times best-selling author of 32 books, Kwame Alexander, launched his new book, "The Undefeated," illustrated by Kadir Nelson on May 3.

Published by Versify, the book is a love letter to America, "to black America. To the grit, passion, and perseverance of our greatest artists, athletes, and activists. To the dreamers. To the strength and bravery of everyday people caught in the web of history," notes a synopsis of the picture book which is beautifully illustrated by Nelson.

Among Alexander's books are "Out of Wonder," a Coretta Scott King Book Awards illustrator winner, and "Rebound," the prequel to his Newbery Award-winning novel, "The Crossover."

With his musical guest, Randy Preston, with whom he has been touring his books at schools and special events for the last two years, Alexander randomly asked members of the audience why they were there. When they answered, he selected and recited poems from his books accompanied by Preston's catchy music to complement the theme.

Preston is singer-songwriter, educator and storyteller based in Washington DC, who grew up on three different continents. Raised in England and Kenya, he gained a deep appreciation for the lore, the myths and the legends of the places he has lived, notes The Booking Biz website.

Kwame Alexander and Randy Preston at the Toronto launch of "The Undefeated" at A Different Booklist Cultural Centre

Kwame Alexander signing a copy of one of his books at A Different Booklist Cultural Centre in Toronto

Writers together: Nadia L. Hohn, Kwame Alexander and Rita Deverell at A Different Booklist Cultural Centre in Toronto on May 3, 2019

This was Alexander's fifth visit to Canada and he has many plans in the pipeline that will unfold in the months and years ahead.

Versify is a new imprint curated by the Virginia-born Alexander who also lives in that city. It is "full of innovative creators with fresh and varied voices."

"This Houghton Mifflin Harcourt imprint reflects Alexander’s vision that accessible and powerful prose and poetry—in picture books, novels, and nonfiction—can celebrate the lives and reflect the possibilities of all children. Seeking new authors and artists as well as established writers and illustrators, Versify publishes books that explore the beauty, hurdles, and hopefulness of life . . . books that will engage, entertain, and empower young people to imagine and create a better world."