One year ago today marks the launch of the most incredible book tour ever celebrating the release of J vs K! A middle grade novel that I wrote with fellow Newbery-winning Author Kwame Alexander. We toured the country in our very own J vs K Tour Bus! 17 cities in 20 days, going from New York to San Francisco, and ending up in Orlando. We were on CBS News, the Kelly Clarkson show, and the New York Times best seller list. We even recorded our own audiobook, which was a lot of fun! One of the best Author experiences of my life. Thank you, Kwame Alexander for an amazing month. Who could guess that we would spend that much time together, and still speak to this day?
Thank you for all of the fans, and author friends who came out to support us. And to all of the bookstores and libraries that hosted these amazing events. And of course two Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for making this possible.
Of all the airports I’ve ever been in, I’ve never seen a check-in counter with no one behind the desk unless it was really early in the morning. Was just told that no one would be here until 6:30 PM. Luckily my flight isn’t until 8:20 PM.😆 @jetblue
Syracuse
We had the best time with author @jerrycraft yesterday! New York Times Best Selling Author Jerry Craft visited Webster, the library, and the middle school. He gave a wonderful talk and fun demonstration of his illustration abilities. Kids and adults alike really enjoyed the event and felt inspired by him and his work. You should check out his books if you haven’t already! Thank you for being you Jerry.
An oldie but a goody! One of the best reviews I’ve ever seen of Class Act, the second book of my New Kid series.
“It’s part of a growing wave of graphic novels that tackle real social issues without talking down to kids, and it’s become a staple in middle school classrooms and libraries across the country”
“Here’s something important: the reading level is accessible (around 3rd-5th grade), but the content is solidly middle school. This is actually perfect for kids who are strong readers but need material that matches their emotional maturity, or for reluctant readers who need something that doesn’t feel babyish.”
https://share.google/ZJbHo6WK4zLT564D6
The bantering between these two world renowned authors is great! Congratulations @jerrycraft and @kwamealexander on being selected for the 2026/27 #SSYRA list in Florida! We hope to see you at FAME this year in Orlando @emapbc@binksforestelementary@pbcsd
KJ is now a part of @planetworddc museum’s PERMANENT COLLECTION!!! LOOK AT THE PRIDE ON HIS FACE!
Watching my son see his ideas come to life for the first time IN A MUSEUM = incredible.
Out of 100s of middle schoolers’ essays in the DMV, his won! He wrote on the book New Kid by the extra talented @jerrycraft — and now a whole animation he guided + HIS VOICE NARRATING are in the museum. FOREVER.
Thanks to KJ, New Kid has now been ADDED TO THE PLANET WORD STORY TABLE LIBRARY!
Scroll over to the last pic to read what he did and understand the contest.
Shouts out to @planetworddc staff, @tonykeithjr the wonderful author who interviewed KJ and the high school winner! This is KING SH*T!!!!! Shouts out to @jerrycraft for writing New Kid!
@pgcps #blackboyjoy #proud #proudmama @ednualam
