Acclaimed poet, writer and TV producer visiting Bellingham for multiple events

Kwame Alexander, a poet, writer and author of the acclaimed teen basketball novel “The Crossover” — which is now a TV series — is appearing in Bellingham for several events.

Over two days, Alexander will give a public all-ages talk, chat with Bellingham seventh-grade students and attend a “Life Between the Pages” dinner in Fairhaven.

Alexander’s novel in verse “The Crossover” won the Newbery Medal for children’s literature and a Coretta Scott King Honor in 2015. The Disney+ TV show it’s based on won an Emmy this year for outstanding young teen series.

He’s also known for “Why Fathers Cry,” “The Undefeated,” and “The Door of No Return,” a sweeping novel about slavery. National Public Radio listeners will recognize Alexander for his occasional “community poem” features.

“We’ve hosted Kwame before and he’s just delightful. We’re so happy to have him back,” said Sophie Richmond, events coordinator for Village Books, which is sponsoring Alexander’s appearance with Western Libraries.

The public can attend two events:

▪ Alexander speaks from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Sehome High School, 2700 Bill McDonald Parkway. Admission is free for those 18 and younger and $5 for adults. Everyone must register in advance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

▪ Alexander is the featured guest at “Life Between The Pages,” a five-course book club dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 11, at Evolve Chocolate + Cafe, 1200 11th St., on the second floor of Village Books in Fairhaven. Menu and dinner is by chef Christy Fox, featuring Oregon and Washington wines. The event is moderated by Sylvia Tag, WWU librarian and head of the Children’s Literature Interdisciplinary Collection. Tickets are $110.