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Guyana John Agard is an acclaimed Afro-Guyanese poet and writer, recognized for his significant contributions to children's and adult literature, and his impact on poetic language and education.
John Agard became the first poet to win the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor celebrating his outstanding contribution to children's literature.
John Agard is slated to judge the 2026 International Poetry Competition, which is supported by the longstanding Guernsey Literary Festival partner, Guernsey Arts.
Bloodaxe Books publishes John Agard's adult poetry, including classic works such as 'Listen Mr Oxford Don' and 'Half Caste'. Archival literary records related to his published poetry through Bloodaxe Books are held at Newcastle University Special Collections.
John Agard is recognized as a supporter of CLPE's work and, along with Grace Nichols, won the first CLPE poetry award, the CLiPPA.
Walker Books published his picture book poem, 'Windrush Child,' illustrated by Sophie Bass, and 'My Name is Book' which was longlisted for the 2016 CILIP Carnegie Medal. They also published 'Under the Moon and Over the Sea' (co-editor with Grace Nichols).
Otter-Barry is set to publish 'The Poetry of John Agard' in July 2025, which will be a compilation celebrating 80 of his favorite poems from 8 previously published collections.
Hope Road Publishing released 'Inspector Dreadlock Holmes and Other Stories,' a collection of short stories by John Agard.
John Agard was born in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana) on June 21, 1949. Early in his life, he developed an appreciation for language, particularly through listening to cricket commentary. He pursued studies in English, French, and Latin at A-Level and wrote his first published poetry during his sixth form education. After completing school in 1967, Agard taught languages and worked as a librarian. He also gained experience as a sub-editor and feature writer for the ‘Guyana Sunday Chronicle,’ publishing two books while still residing in Guyana. In 1977, Agard relocated to Britain with his partner, Grace Nichols, settling in Ironbridge, Shropshire. He continued his work in the literary and educational fields, including roles at the Commonwealth Institute and the BBC in London. His career progressed to include touring as a lecturer for the Commonwealth Institute over eight years, visiting approximately 2,500 schools to promote Caribbean culture. This period also marked the beginning of his focus on writing poetry for children.
Agard has authored more than 50 books for both children and adults. His work gained prominence in the curriculum for poems such as ‘Half-Caste’ and ‘Checking Out Me History,’ which were included in Edexcel and AQA English GCSE anthologies starting in 2002. His contributions to poetry have been acknowledged with numerous awards. These include the 1997 Paul Hamlyn Award for Poetry, the Cholmondeley Award in 2004, and the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry in 2012, highlighting his lasting influence on the literary landscape. In a notable recognition of his extensive career, Agard became the first poet to receive the BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in November 2021, celebrating his outstanding contribution to children’s literature. He has maintained an active presence in the literary community, living in Lewes, East Sussex, with Grace Nichols, who is also a poet. Agard has also served as a poet-in-residence at institutions like the National Maritime Museum in 2008 and has written verse plays and librettos for venues such as the Little Angel Theatre and the Glyndebourne Festival.
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