James E. Ransome Books & Reviews

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James E. Ransome

5 stars across 20 books

Deloris Jordan is Michael Jordan's mother and the coauthor of Salt in His Shoes, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, which Booklist called "inspirational;" Did I Tell You I Love You Today?, illustrated by Shane W. Evans, which was called "a tender read-aloud" by Kirkus Reviews; and Dream Big. She is also the author of Family First: Winning the Parenting Game, a book highlighting the seven principles of parenting. Through her work with the James Jordan Foundation in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the Jordan Institute for Families at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Mrs. Jordan is widely regarded as an advocate for children and families. The mother of five children and the grandmother of eleven, Mrs. Jordan lives in Chicago. James E. Ransome's highly acclaimed illustrations for Before She Was Harriett received the 2018 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. His other award-winning titles include Coretta Scott King Honor Book Uncle Jed's Barbershop; Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt; and Let My People Go, winner of the NAACP Image Award. He frequently collaborates with his wife, author Lesa Cline-Ransome. Some of their titles include Game Changers: The Story of Venus Serena Williams, which received four starred reviews; My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey; and Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass. Mr. Ransome teaches illustration at Pratt Institute and lives in upstate New York with his family. Visit James at JamesRansome.com.

9th November 2023

Freedom Bird: A Tale of Hope and Courage

“Powerful storytelling and immersive art.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Vibrant writing and magical realism lift th... MoreFreedom Bird: A Tale of Hope and Courage

(1 review) Review

The Wagon

1st July 2018

The Wagon

(0 reviews) Review

Freedom's School

13th January 2015

Freedom's School

(0 reviews) Review

Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change

25th October 2012

Our Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change

An inspirational, poetic tribute to America’s most important change-makers. Celebrating accomplishments of important fig... MoreOur Children Can Soar: A Celebration of Rosa, Barack, and the Pioneers of Change

(0 reviews) Review

Baby Blessings: A Prayer for the Day You Are Born

26th January 2010

Baby Blessings: A Prayer for the Day You Are Born

Celebrate the bond between parent and child in this touching picture book.This touching story from bestselling author Do... MoreBaby Blessings: A Prayer for the Day You Are Born

(0 reviews) Review

Satchel Paige

31st December 1998

Satchel Paige

Some say Leroy Paige was born with his right fist curled around a baseball. By the age of ten he could outthrow anyone, ... MoreSatchel Paige

(0 reviews) Review

Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building

10th January 2012

Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building

(0 reviews) Review

How Many Stars in the Sky?

20th January 1997

How Many Stars in the Sky?

(0 reviews) Review

Light in the Darkness: A Story about How Slaves Learned in Secret

19th February 2013

Light in the Darkness: A Story about How Slaves Learned in Secret

(0 reviews) Review

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New Book

The Story of the Saxophone

9th December 2025

(0 reviews)

Coming Soon

Freedom to Read: The Story of Teacher Mary Peake and One Mighty Oak Tree

Hardback

27th August 2026

Recent Reviews

Freedom Bird: A Tale of Hope and Courage

by JRTC

We used this book as part of our writing unit in Year 5. The children loved it and were really engaged. The story follows two children and relates to ...
Before She Was Harriet

by Books+Life=

I read this at my school library the illustrations were amazing, the book itself was astonishing.
It is non-fiction....

Series by
James E. Ransome

Special Kids of Sharon

Reading rainbow book

James E. Ransome