Author Kwame Alexander to Inspire 1,700 Detroit Students with New Book Launch at Literacy Event

Kwame Alexander’s new book, Black Star, is about to leave its mark on 1,700 middle school students and their teachers in Detroit. On September 24, Literacy for Kids will bring these young minds to Music Hall for an event that blends the power of storytelling with the energy of community. The renowned author will share excerpts from his latest work, inspiring students to dive into the world of literature and storytelling.

The Metro Detroit-based nonprofit Literacy for Kids, founded in 2019, has made it its mission to not only promote literacy but to teach children to appreciate the art and joy found in reading. By connecting kids directly with authors and illustrators, they open up a world where imagination knows no bounds. Kwame Alexander, the acclaimed author behind The Crossover, a book turned Emmy Award-winning Disney+ series, will lead this charge.

For these Detroit middle schoolers, the opportunity to engage with a bestselling author goes beyond simply receiving a new book. It’s about understanding the power of words and how they can shape not only their imaginations but their futures. Alexander will share the story behind Black Star, offering insight into his journey as a writer and motivating students to consider their own potential in writing and creative expression.

Students from eight schools, including Adams-Young Elementary, Jefferson-Douglass school, and Eaton Academy in Eastpointe, will fill the seats of Music Hall, eager to hear Alexander’s words firsthand. As they listen, they’ll be introduced to a perspective that perhaps they’ve never considered — a perspective that books are not only for learning but also for dreaming. Reading transforms into a pathway for self-expression and creativity.

Each of these students will leave with an autographed copy of Black Star, but the real takeaway will be the experience itself. They’ll return to their classrooms armed with inspiration, carrying new ideas back to their peers who couldn’t attend. These young readers are being invited into a conversation about the transformative power of literature.

Literacy for Kids is doing what many literacy programs strive to achieve, but this Detroit nonprofit takes it a step further by focusing on creating unique, immersive experiences. Bringing an author like Kwame Alexander directly to the children, in their own community, sets a powerful example. It shows that their stories matter, and that literature isn’t reserved for those living in distant cities. Detroit’s youth can—and should—see themselves in books and know they, too, can one day be the storytellers.

This event underscores the connection between literacy and empowerment. By promoting creative thinking and imagination, Literacy for Kids is planting seeds in the minds of students, encouraging them to explore their talents. For many children in Detroit, this might be their first opportunity to meet a successful Black author who speaks to their lived experiences. Representation matters, and Kwame Alexander’s presence on stage will resonate deeply with the students in the audience, some of whom may not have seen an author who looks like them.

It’s also a moment that reminds teachers and administrators that education must go beyond traditional instruction. Schools like Detroit Innovation Academy and Washington Parks school understand the value of events like this—ones that ignite passion and curiosity, allowing students to learn outside the walls of a classroom. Literacy for Kids bridges the gap between education and inspiration, reminding everyone involved that the two are intrinsically linked.

By fostering these experiences, the organization is actively working to combat the literacy challenges many Detroit children face. The city’s literacy rates have long been a concern, with many students reading below grade level. Events like these are critical in turning the tide. When students see authors, especially those who look like them and share their experiences, it sends a powerful message: they belong in the world of books, and they, too, can shape stories.

Detroit’s community has always been resilient, always finding ways to empower its next generation. Literacy for Kids is part of that fabric, providing opportunities for children to not only learn but to thrive. With this event, Kwame Alexander is set to be another thread in that fabric, showing these students that books can open doors they never imagined.

For members of the public interested in attending, there are limited complimentary tickets available. It’s a chance to be part of an inspiring moment, one that celebrates literacy, creativity, and the future storytellers of Detroit. Those looking to learn more about Literacy for Kids or to reserve tickets can reach out to [email protected]. 

At the end of the day, what Kwame Alexander and Literacy for Kids are offering is more than just a love for books—it’s a love for the possibilities books create. And for 1,700 students, that might just make all the difference.