“In descriptive and poetic language, this book reveals how reading and writing were powerful motivators for young James Baldwin. … This book is especially recommended because it not only explains the growth of a successful writer, but it also can stimulate discussions of the ways in which reading and writing enrich our lives.” — School Library Journal, starred review

Quartez Harris is a poet and teaching artist. He was awarded the Baldwin House Fellowship and named Ohio Association’s Poet of the Year for his book, We Made It to School Alive.

His poetry has received numerous accolades. Harris spent many years as a second-grade teacher in the Cleveland public school system and currently dedicates his time to living within books, writing, and running poetry workshops. He exemplifies the transformative power of literature. His inspiring literary works and passionate advocacy for education and personal growth stem from his own experiences. As a student, Harris struggled with reading and writing, but the support from his IEP teacher, Mr. Moore, along with his aunt’s love for language, played a crucial role in fostering his love for words.

His newest book is Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer (January 2025), serves as an ode to the childhood of American icon James Baldwin and the power of storytelling, illustrated by Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honoree Gordon C. James.

Quartez's Featured Titles

Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers |
Children’s

Discover the story of young James Baldwin in this ode to the legendary writer and the power of the written word—with exquisite prose from acclaimed poet Quartez Harris, and breathtaking illustrations from New York Times bestselling creator and Caldecott Honoree Gordon C. James.

The first time Jimmy read a book the words clung to him like glitter…

Before James Baldwin was a celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist, he was a boy who fell in love with stories. Words opened up new worlds for young Jimmy, who read and wrote at every opportunity. He ultimately realized his dreams of becoming an author and giving voice to his community, and in doing so he showed the world the fullness of Black American life.

This picture book biography of an American icon is a poetic introduction to James Baldwin and celebration of the power of language. Additional biographical information and personal notes from the author and illustrator round out this stunning celebration of Baldwin’s life and work.

★ Lyrical, accessible true story of an American icon, with bonus information at the back of the book
★ Beautiful, vibrant art from Gordon C. James, two-time winner of the Kirkus Prize, a Caldecott honoree, and Coretta Scott King honoree, and Society of Illustrators Gold Medalist!
★ Celebrates the power of reading, hard work, and following your dreams

We Made it to School Alive

Outlandish Press |
Poetry

Beyond the brilliance of his imagery, and the potency of metaphor, what Quartez Harris offers in We Made It To School Alive is a continuation in the legacy of black storytelling. He is a generous and thoughtful narrator — an archivist of not only vulnerable landscapes but also the noble people traversing them. This book is a brilliant force for the uplift of young black folks, and the people who love them.

– Hanif Abdurraqib

To be young, gifted, and Black is to be alive, fighting to stay alive. Quartez Harris captures every inch of that fight in We Made It To School Alive. You will find yourself submerged into Quartez’s poetry because it is a story you think you know until you read his words. His writing is fearless because it has to be; he is writing from the pain and trauma systematically inflicted on the bodies of students of color within the walls of school buildings around the U.S. Harris’ writing is truthful and captivating. I am in awe of his talent. The field of education needs Quartez Harris’s work more than ever to explain the margins that need to be at the center.

– Dr. Bettina Love

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Breaking the Mold: Your Past Self Doesn’t Define You

Quartez will share his inspiring journey from struggling with reading and writing as an elementary and middle school student, to later developing a passion for poetry to encouraging young people to be a reading writer. After taking students through his own life as a reader and student, he will give students the opportunity to reflect on their own educational experiences in their writing through the use of mentor texts and self-reflection.

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Empowering Creativity & Confidence Through Storytelling

Through interactive read aloud, discussions and storytelling sessions, Quartez fosters an atmosphere of creativity and enthusiasm, empowering scholars to embrace their own writing talents and express themselves confidently.

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We’re All Writers

Quartez’s visit will provide scholars with a unique opportunity to connect with a celebrated author, share their own creative works, and gain valuable insights into the world of literature and storytelling. His passion for writing and dedication to uplifting others will leave a lasting impression on students, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.

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Playing with Poetry

As a writer, Quartez knows that you have to read far more than you write. In this imitative poetry workshop, Quartez will walk students through select poems as they choose language, stylistic choices, and form they can use to inspire their own writing. Students will leave with pieces honoring the poets that inspire them, further emboldening them to read more than they write in their own practice.

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Breaking Linear Thinking in Poetry

Not every piece of poetry needs to make sense or reveal its meaning clearly. You can create mystery in language and that can make it playful. In this workshop, we will explore exercises to create playful poems that, while intentionally leaving meaning behind, create their own unique meaning within themselves. Students will mine existing poems for inspiration and word choice in order to create unique pieces that create beauty in their meaninglessness.

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Find the Library Kid in You

Baldwin was a library kid, who enjoyed going to the library three or four days a week. During this talk, Quartez will walk listeners through an exploration of the history of Baldwin’s favorite library, the 135th Street Library in Harlem, NY, and discuss the special events that libraries put on, community resources, how libraries have become invaluable to the community and why Baldwin would want YOU to find out what’s at your local library.

135th Street Branch, New York Public Library Link

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Ohio Poetry Association’s Poet of the Year, 2021
School Library Journal, starred review
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred review
Publishers Weekly, starred review
Kirkus, starred review

Media clips

School Library Journal | A Talk with Quartez Harris and Gordon C. James

Cleveland Review of Books | We Made it to School Alive

Kirkus Reviews | Go Tell It

School Library Journal | Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer

Publishers Weekly | Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became a Writer

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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