John Henry

Jerry Pinkney (December 22, 1939 – October 20, 2021) was an American illustrator and writer of children's literature. Pinkney illustrated over 100 books since 1964, including picture books, nonfiction titles and novels. Pinkney's works addressed diverse themes and were usually done in watercolors. In 1994, Pinkney obtained the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for the book John Henry and he has received five Coretta Scott King Awards for illustration. In 2010, he received the Caldecott Medal for h...

Julius Lester was a writer who brought history to life for young readers. His book To Be a Slave is a powerful look at the experiences of enslaved people in America, told through their own words. He wrote across genres, but his work often focused on African American history and culture.