Three Influential Voices To Discuss Kwame Alexander's New Book "Swing" at Skylight Books

KWAME ALEXANDER, poet, educator, and New York Times best-selling author, is one of the most influential African American authors in the country today. Also a Newberry award-winner and NPR's Morning Edition contributor, Kwame's 2015 best-seller "The Crossover," was recognized by Newberry as the "most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

NIKKI GIOVANNI poet, activist, mother, and professor, is a seven-time NAACP Image Award winner, and the first recipient of the Rosa Parks Woman of Courage Award.

Wendy Calhoun is a writer and executive producer currently developing Lean on Me for The CW and Strong Justice for NBC Network.

RANDY PRESTON is a singer/songwriter, educator and storyteller, with roots from England and Kenya.

WHAT: Three influential voices join together - Nikki Giovanni, Wendy Calhoun and Kwame Alexander -- to discuss Kwame's new book "Swing," to be released on October 2. "Swing" is a tale about a bi-racial friendship between two teenage boys, which has a heart wrenching surprise-ending twist that that has the two facing some hard truths about social injustice that many Americans are facing today. Kwame penned "Swing" to help young adults find self-acceptance and a willingness to open themselves up to one another. As one of the most influential African American authors in our country today, known for diversifying children's literature, Kwame confronts race relations head-on in his new fiction book. "Swing" was penned with Kwame's unique writing style of poetry and verse - written to reach the heart of today's teen reader.

In relation to the release of "Swing," Kwame embarks on his "Swing Tour," in which he will speak to young students - to encourage young minds across the nation to tap into their creativity and jumpstart their excitement for reading and writing. The "Swing Tour" is a nationwide visit to middle schools, high schools, colleges and bookstores across the U.S. to speak to the students and engage in Q&As (which also includes a musical performance), for an interactive learning experience

WHERE: SKYLIGHT BOOKS

1818 N Vermont Ave

Los Angeles, CA 90027

WHEN: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 @ 7:30PM