John Agard

John Agard, a distinguished Guyanese playwright, poet, and children’s writer, has made significant contributions to literature and education. Born in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), Agard moved to Britain, where he has continued to enrich the literary world with his diverse and impactful work. His career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2012 and the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2021, making him the first poet to receive this honor.

Agard’s literary journey began with the publication of his first collection, *Listen Mr Oxford Don*, in 1967, and has since included notable works such as *Shoot Me With Flowers* and *The Coming of the Little Green Man*. His poetry, celebrated for its vibrant language and incisive commentary, is frequently featured in educational curricula. Poems like “Half Caste” and “Checking Out Me History” are integral parts of the Edexcel and AQA English GCSE anthologies, shaping the literary education of many students aged 13–16.

In addition to his writing, Agard served as poet-in-residence at the National Maritime Museum in 2008, further showcasing his versatile engagement with literature and culture. His achievements also include the Paul Hamlyn Award for Poetry in 1997 and the Cholmondeley Award in 2004. Agard’s extensive body of work, housed in archival collections at Newcastle University Special Collections, underscores his lasting impact on contemporary poetry.

Now residing in Lewes, East Sussex, Agard continues to inspire with his writing and dedication to literary arts. His books, such as *Shona, the Word Detective* and *Books Make Good Pets*, reflect his enduring passion for storytelling and education, solidifying his place as a cherished figure in modern literature.