John Agard

John Agard is one of the most exciting poets writing today. Bloodaxe Books publish his adult poetry, including such classics as Listen Mr Oxford Don and Half Caste. His latest picture book poem, Windrush Child (Walker Books) illustrated by Sophie Bass is a powerful picture book, full of hope and promise, which movingly evokes the journey made by children and their families as part of the Windrush Generation.

The Poetry of John Agard (Otter-Barry, July 2025) is a celebration of John's work and includes 80 of John's favourite poems from 8 of his previously published collections. The new anthology reflects the genius of John through a range of poetic forms and styles and most of all his extraordinary ability to connect with children of all ages through poetry

Inspector Dreadlock Holmes and Other Stories (Hope Road Publishing) is a wonderful collection of stories that reveal hidden truths that change our view of how we are and where we come from.

Funny, thought-provoking and bursting with curiosity, Wise Up! Wise Down! Poems by John Agard and JonArno Lawson is a lively conversation between two internationally renowned poets, illustrated by treasured artist Satoshi Kitamura.

Alongside poetry, John has written verse plays and librettos for venues such as Little Angel Theatre and the Glyndebourne Festival. He has been a writer-in-residence at the BBC, the South Bank and the National Maritime Museum.

John was born in Guyana and lives with his wife, poet Grace Nichols, in Lewes.

Winner of many awards, including the Queen's Gold Medal Award for Poetry, the Smarties Award, the Paul Hamlyn Award, the Cholmondeley Award, the Casa de las Americas Poetry Award, the Guyana prize and the CLPE Award.

My Name is Book (Walker) was longlisted for the 2016 CILIP Carnegie Medal