John Agard
John Agard (born 21 June 1949 in British Guiana) is an Afro-Guyanese playwright, poet and children's writer, now living in Britain. In 2012, he was selected for the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.
Agard grew up in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana). John wrote his first poetry when he was in sixth-form, and left school in 1967. Leaving school in 1967, he taught the languages he had studied and worked in a local library. His father settled in London and Agard moved to Britain with his partner Grace Nichols in 1977, settling in Ironbridge, Shropshire.
His collections for young readers include The Young Inferno, a teenage spin on Dante's Inferno, Einstein, The Girl Who Hated Maths and Hello H20, both illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura. His adult collections include Alternative Anthem and his latest, Playing the Ghost Of Maimonides. His first non-fiction, entitled Book, tells the history of the book in the voice of the book. His awards include the Casa de las Americas Poetry Prize, the Paul Hamlyn Award and the 2012 Queen's Gold Medal for poetry. He lives in Sussex.
Books
Come All You Little Persons
Author: John Agard Illustrator: Jessica Courtney-Tickle
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Interest age: 3-8
Reading age: 6+
Captivating and vibrant illustrations complement the lyrical text in this joyous, inclusive story by celebrated poet John Agard. Perfect for reading aloud at bedtime, this book celebrates childhood and the natural world in all its rich diversity.
Going Batty
Author: John Agard Illustrator: Michael Broad
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 8-12
Reading age: 7+
Dyslexia-friendly, super-readable, illustrated story about a girl whose school project (and a hidden colony in the attic) makes her face up to her greatest fear.
Goldilocks on CCTV
Author: John Agard
Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Interest age: 7+
Reading age: 8+
By turns funny, poignant and insightful Agard’s poems are told with a direct and distinctive voice
My Name is Book
Author: John Agard
Illustrator: Neil Packer
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+
If you are intrigued as to how sheep and birds have played important roles in the recording of the written word then this is the definitely the book for you!
Pumpkin Grumpkin
Author: Various Editor: John Agard and Grace Nichols
Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
Publisher: Walker Books
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+
Amusing and bemusing poetry from around the globe. John Agard and Grace Nichols have assembled a bunch of silly poems in this new collection brought to life with quirky illustrations by Satoshi Kitamura.
From classics like The Jabberwocky to great contemporary nonsense like The Computer's First Proverb, there's something for everyone in this vibrant, varied …
Shona, Word Detective
Author: John Agard
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Interest age: 7-11
Reading age: 8+
A delightful celebration of lexicography in a dyslexia-friendly layout, this is a book that will surely inspire all children to find the fun in words and language.
The Rainmaker Danced
Author: John Agard Illustrator: Satoshi Kitamura
Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+
The exuberant John Agard shares his infectious love for the world and its words in this new collection of poetry for children. The poems are thoughtful and thought-provoking, and like all good children’s books, they inspire questions and discussions.