Children & Family Weekend: Kwame Alexander

A poetry reading and conversation with Kwame Alexander.
Guest moderator, Arleta Little of the Loft Literary Center.
Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, Emmy-winning producer, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 40 books, including The Crossover, The Undefeated, Becoming Muhammad Ali, The Door of No Return, and This Is the Honey. His acclaimed work has earned numerous honors, including the Newbery Medal, Caldecott Medal, and National Book Award recognition. He is also the Emmy-winning executive producer, showrunner, and writer of Disney+'s The Crossover, produced in partnership with LeBron James' SpringHill Company. Through his production company, Big Sea Entertainment, he creates innovative children's and family programming that promotes literacy and storytelling. A frequent speaker and contributor to NPR, Kwame shares his passion for reading and writing with audiences around the world. His mission is simple: to change the world, one word at a time.
ABOUT CHILDREN & FAMILY WEEKEND:
Join Hope Arts Center and House of Hope Presbyterian Church for Children & Family Weekend, a joyful two-day celebration centered on the theme “Creativity, Resilience, and Your Unique Voice.”
Designed for parents, children, grandparents, educators, caregivers, mentors, health professionals and those interested in the intersection of arts and health, the weekend brings together nationally acclaimed speakers, outstanding Twin Cities arts organizations, and hands-on experiences that celebrate the creativity and potential of every child while equipping the adults who help them thrive.
Saturday features ERIN WALSH, nationally recognized child development expert and co-founder of Spark & Stitch Institute, will present a talk titled, “It’s Their World: Raising Resilient Kids in the Digital Age”, offering practical, research-based insights on children’s mental health, resilience, and healthy relationships with technology. While adults attend Erin’s presentation, children and youth can participate in engaging poetry workshops led by teaching artists from The Loft Literary Center.
On Sunday, Newbery Medal-winning author and poet KWAME ALEXANDER joins moderator Arleta Little of The Loft Literary Center for an inspiring conversation about creativity, storytelling, and discovering your unique voice. Children and youth are admitted free to Sunday’s keynote.
Throughout the weekend, enjoy performances by Hope Arts Center music students, family puppet-making with Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre, a multigenerational dance workshop with Young Dance, book sales and signings with Red Balloon Bookshop, a parade with Heart of the Beast artists, poetry slam, art gallery visits, receptions, and a lively dance party.
Children & Family Weekend reflects a shared belief that creativity is more than artistic expression—it bolsters confidence and resilience, fosters connection, and helps young people build healthy, happy lives. Whether you are raising children, teaching them, mentoring them, or simply care about the next generation, this weekend offers inspiration, practical ideas, and meaningful opportunities to create, learn, and celebrate together.
We hope you'll join us for this special community event as we celebrate creativity, resilience, and every person's unique voice.