Arts & Entertainment
Author & illustrator Lesa & James Ransome win Christopher Award
"Before She Was Harriet," one of 12 books honored at the 69th annual gala in NYC on May 17, by Rhinebeck-based author & illustrator
Author Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrator James E. Ransome, both of Rhinebeck, N.Y., have been honored with a Christopher Award for “Before She Was Harriet,” (Ages 6 and up, Holiday House Publishing). It is one of 12 books for adults and young people by 19 authors and illustrators to be celebrated on May 17, 2018 at the 69th annual Christopher Awards in New York. Also recognized are the writers, producers and directors of 9 feature films and TV/Cable programs.
Harriet Tubman’s bravery extends far beyond her work leading slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. In her lifetime she was called by many names. As General Tubman she was a Union spy. As Moses she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. An evocative poem and opulent watercolors come together to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her larger than life.
Lesa Cline-Ransome has written numerous books for children, including two ALA Notable Books. Her work focuses on African American history. James E. Ransome’s numerous accolades include a Coretta Scott King Medal, Coretta Scott King Honor Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. The wife/husband pair has worked together on many books including “Benny Goodman & Teddy Wilson: Taking the Stage as the First Black-and-White Jazz Band in History” and “Just a Lucky So and So: The Story of Louis Armstrong.”
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The Christopher Awards were created in 1949 to celebrate authors, illustrators, writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” The Christophers, a nonprofit organization founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb—“It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness”— guides its publishing, radio, and awards programs. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.
