Children’s Literature Legacy Award 2023 Winner: James E. Ransome

Children’s Literature Legacy Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children through books that demonstrate integrity and respect for all children’s lives and experiences.

You can find books by 2023 award-winner James E. Ransome below.

Back to 2023 Youth Media Award Winners

Uncle Jed's Barbershop By Margaree King Mitchell, James E. Ransome (Illustrator) Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780689819131
Availability: Usually Ships from Wholesaler in 1-5 Days
Published: Aladdin - January 1st, 1998

Coretta Scott King Award winner

A young girl’s beloved uncle is a talented barber without a shop who never gives up on his dream in this richly illustrated, stirring picture book.

Everyone has a favorite relative. For Sarah Jean, it’s her Uncle Jed.


The Creation (25th Anniversary Edition) By James E. Ransome (Illustrator), James Weldon Johnson Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780823440252
Availability: Unavailable to Order
Published: Holiday House - October 2nd, 2018

An award-winning retelling of the Biblical creation story from a star of the Harlem Renaissance and an acclaimed illustrator


On Her Wings: The Story of Toni Morrison By Jerdine Nolen, James E. Ransome (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jerdine Nolen, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9781534478527
Availability: On Our Shelves Now (Subject to Availability)
Published: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books - September 27th, 2022

Discover the early life and legacy of groundbreaking American writer Toni Morrison in this beautifully illustrated and “awe-inspiring” (School Library Journal, starred review) nonfiction picture book biography.

Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in Ohio, Toni Morrison grew up listening to her family tell myths, legends, and stories from the Bible.


Freedom Bird: A Tale of Hope and Courage By Jerdine Nolen, James E. Ransome (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jerdine Nolen, James E. Ransome (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780689871672
Availability: On Our Shelves Now (Subject to Availability)
Published: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books - January 14th, 2020

“Powerful storytelling and immersive art.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Vibrant writing and magical realism lift this story to one of triumph.” —Publishers Weekly
“Nolen's lively prose style recalls the richness of the oral tradition in this tale of triumphant courage and abiding hope.” —The Horn B


Overground Railroad By Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E. Ransome (Illustrator) Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780823451197
Availability: On Our Shelves Now (Subject to Availability)
Published: Holiday House - January 11th, 2022

A window into a child's experience of the Great Migration from the award-winning creators of Before She Was Harriet and Finding Langston.


Be a King: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream and You By Carole Boston Weatherford, James E. Ransome (Illustrator) Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9781547608973
Availability: On Our Shelves Now (Subject to Availability)
Published: Bloomsbury Children's Books - January 11th, 2022

With poetic text and dynamic art, award-winning creators Carole Boston Weatherford and James E. Ransome use key moments from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life to inspire future generations to stand up for what's right, make the world a better place, and be a King.

You can be a King. Stamp out hatred. Put your foot down and walk tall.


Just a Lucky So and So: The Story of Louis Armstrong By Lesa Cline-Ransome, James E. Ransome (Illustrator) Cover Image
$8.99
ISBN: 9780823452408
Availability: On Our Shelves Now (Subject to Availability)
Published: Holiday House - December 27th, 2022

He was born "Black, poor, and lucky." The glowing story of "Satchmo"—the great jazz musician, Louis Armstrong.