Kwame Alexander, the renowned author of the award-winning novel “The Crossover,” is launching a new imprint called Kwame Alexander Books. The imprint will prioritize publishing works by writers from communities that have historically been underrepresented in American literature.

A New Chapter in Publishing

Alexander’s decision to launch his own imprint comes after a successful career as a publisher. In 2018, he started a children’s imprint called Versify at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, which is now part of HarperCollins. At Versify, Alexander published a string of award-winning books with an emphasis on works that incorporate poetry, including novels in verse.

The new imprint will publish books across genres and for readers of all ages. Alexander has already acquired several titles, including a paranormal young adult novel by bestselling author Lola StVil and a thriller in verse for young adults from award-winning Irish author Sarah Crossan.

Alexander’s imprint is getting a splashy introduction this week at two major book business conferences, which are both being held in the Chicago area: Children’s Institute, a gathering for independent booksellers that is hosted by the American Booksellers Association, and the American Library Association’s annual conference.

The launch of Kwame Alexander Books comes at a time when censorship in public schools and libraries remains rampant, and many of the books being banned champion diversity. According to the American Library Association, nearly 40% of the 4,235 unique titles that were targeted by book bans in 2025 featured LGBTQ+ characters and people of color.

Alexander hopes to publish books that help readers imagine their place in the world, despite the challenges presented by book bans. “That doesn’t change because the political climate becomes perilous,” he said. “I want to build a house that outlasts any single fight over a single book.”

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.