Lesa's Books:

Light in the Darkness
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James Ransome

Based on historical fact, Light in the Darkness is a dramatic story of the determination of slaves to learn to read and write, despite the dangers from slave patrollers. "Rosa is eager to learn her letters. After the letters come words, and after the words come reading. ... Finally they [Rosa and her Mama] reach their destination: a hole dug in the ground and covered with branches. They climb down and begin making the shapes that Morris teaches them: A...B...C..."

Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
ISBN 978-142313495-4

Junior Library Guild selection

view a demo video about the artwork for this book

Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass
written by Lesa Cline-Ransome & illustrated by James Ransome

"We started with the letter A and continued from there..." Based on Frederick Douglass's own Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, this is an inspiring story of the power of the individual.

"Drawing from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, the Ransomes...create a powerful biographical account of the anti-slavery crusader, writer and orator's early life."
Starred Review, Publisher's Weekly

Published by Simon & Schuster
ISBN 978-1-4169-5903-8

	Eureka Award Winner for Excellence in Nonfiction 2012
	Starred Review, School Library Journal
	Starred Review, Booklist

Before There Was Mozart: The Story of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George
by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome

Joseph Boulogne loved music. The singing of the birds, the beat of drums, the peal of church bells—and most of all, the soaring notes of his violin. But as the son of a white plantation owner and a black slave, newly arrived in France from the West Indies, what chance did Joseph have for success with his music? Here is the true story of an extraordinary boy who overcame the prejudices of his peers to become one of the finest classical musicians in all of Europe.

Buy now on Amazon.

ISBN-10: 0375836004
ISBN-13: 978-0375836008
Schwartz & Wade Books

	NAACP Image Award Nominee
	CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

Helen Keller: The World in Her Heart
by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome

For Helen Keller, w-a-t-e-r was a cool, slippery splash. S-u-n was the warm afternoon glow coating her skin.  L-i-l-y was a sweet-smelling petal, soft and  delicate to her touch.  This evocative portrait reminds us that there are many ways to experience the world through the senses--but the most important things in life are savored within the heart.

Buy now on Amazon.

ISBN 978-0-06-057074-3
Publisher: Harper Collins

Starred review, Booklist

Young Pele: Soccer's First Star
by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome

The inspiring story of how a poor Brazilian boy--who kicked rocks down roads and dribbled balls made from rags--went on to become the greatest soccer player of all time.

Buy now on Amazon.

Review
Starred Review, Booklist, September 1, 2007:
"With handsome oil paintings and a stirring story, this picture-book biography will first grab children with its action."
—Hazel Rochman

	NAACP Image Awards nominee, 2008
	Starred Review, Booklist
	Top 10 Sports Books for Youth, 2008, Booklist

Major Taylor Champion Cyclist
by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome

How little Marshall Taylor, through dedication, talent and speed transformed himself into the extraordinary Major Taylor and won the world championship of bicycle racing in 1899.

ISBN 0-689-83159-5
An Anne Schwartz Book, published by Atheneum/Simon &Schuster

	Capitol Choices List (DC)
	Emphasis On Reading Program Master List (AL)
	Golden Sower Masterlist (NE)
	Kansas State Reading Circle Intermediate Titles
	KC3 Award Master List Nominee (MO)
	Young Hoosier Book Award Master List (IN)

Satchel Paige
by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome

Examines the life of the legendary baseball player, who was the first African-American to pitch in a Major League World Series.

ISBN 0-689-81151-9
Simon & Schuster

	ALA Notable Book
	Top 10  Black History Books for Youth, 2000, Booklist
	Bank Street College of Educations's Best Children's Book of the Year
	Top 10 Sports Books for Youth, 2000, Booklist
	CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book
	Children's Literature Choice List

Quilt Alphabet
by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome

From apples to cows, kettles to scarecrows, warm country images abound in this delightful alphabet poem with striking folk art illustrations.

ISBN 0-8234-1453-1
Holiday House

Quilt Counting
by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome

Companion book to Quilt Alphabet by the same author. Step inside and join the fun--count 1 to 10, and 10 to 1!

ISBN 1-58717-178-3
SeaStar Books