Lesa Cline-Ransome

Lesa Cline-Ransome is an American author specializing in children's literature, particularly picture books and middle grade novels. Her work often focuses on historical figures and African American experiences, with notable success coming from her NAACP Image Award-nominated biography "Before She Was Harriet" and her middle grade novel "Finding Langston." After studying at Pratt Institute and earning her BFA, followed by an MA from New York University, Cline-Ransome entered the children's literature field. Her collaboration with her husband, illustrator James E. Ransome, has resulted in numerous acclaimed works, including "Satchel Paige" and "Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass." Her writing has garnered significant recognition in the literary world, earning her the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction and a Coretta Scott King Author Honor Award. The author's ability to bring historical figures to life through carefully researched narratives has made her works valuable resources for both education and entertainment. Based in Rhinebeck, New York, Cline-Ransome continues to produce works that explore important historical themes and biographical subjects. Her background in journalism and advertising has informed her approach to storytelling, resulting in engaging narratives that appeal to young readers while maintaining historical accuracy.

Readers consistently highlight Cline-Ransome's ability to make historical figures accessible to young readers. Parents and teachers frequently mention using her books to introduce complex topics like civil rights and slavery in age-appropriate ways. What readers liked: - Clear, engaging writing style for children - Historical accuracy and research depth - Effective handling of difficult subjects for young audiences - Strong integration with James Ransome's illustrations - Educational value in classroom settings What readers disliked: - Some found the pacing slow in certain books - A few readers noted text density challenging for younger children - Limited appeal beyond intended age groups Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - "Before She Was Harriet" - 4.3/5 (2,000+ ratings) - "Finding Langston" - 4.2/5 (3,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Most titles maintain 4.5+ stars - "Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams" - 4.8/5 (500+ ratings) One teacher wrote: "Her books provide perfect entry points for discussing important historical moments with elementary students."

Before She Was Harriet A biographical picture book that traces Harriet Tubman's life backwards through her many roles as suffragist, General Tubman, Union spy, conductor, Moses, nurse, and finally, young Minty.

Finding Langston Set in 1946 Chicago, this middle-grade novel follows an 11-year-old boy who discovers solace in poetry after moving from Alabama during the Great Migration.

Satchel Paige A biographical picture book chronicling the life of Negro League baseball pitcher Satchel Paige and his remarkable career in segregated baseball.

Words Set Me Free: The Story of Young Frederick Douglass This picture book biography focuses on Frederick Douglass's early years and his journey to literacy as an enslaved child.

Light in the Darkness: A Story about How Slaves Learned in Secret A historical picture book depicting how enslaved people risked severe punishment to learn to read in secret pit schools.

Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams A picture book biography following the Williams sisters' journey from practicing on public tennis courts to becoming world champions.

Not Playing by the Rules: 21 Female Athletes Who Changed Sports A collection of biographical profiles featuring groundbreaking female athletes throughout history.

Leaving Lymon A middle-grade novel following a young boy's journey from Mississippi to Milwaukee during the Great Migration era.

Being Clem The third book in the Finding Langston trilogy follows Clem, whose father died in the Port Chicago Disaster during World War II.

Andrea Davis Pinkney writes picture book biographies and historical fiction focusing on African American figures and experiences. She explores similar themes to Cline-Ransome through works like "Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down" and "Martin Rising: Requiem for a King."

Carole Boston Weatherford creates biographical picture books about civil rights figures and African American history. Her works like "Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom" and "Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer" share Cline-Ransome's commitment to highlighting historical figures.

Rita Williams-Garcia writes historical fiction for middle grade readers with emphasis on African American experiences. Her novels like "One Crazy Summer" and "P.S. Be Eleven" explore similar historical periods and themes as Cline-Ransome's "Finding Langston."

Jacqueline Woodson creates both picture books and middle grade novels centered on African American experiences and historical moments. Her works like "Brown Girl Dreaming" and "Show Way" share Cline-Ransome's focus on family history and cultural heritage.

Christopher Paul Curtis writes historical fiction for middle grade readers focusing on African American families and experiences. His books like "The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963" and "Bud, Not Buddy" feature similar historical settings and themes as Cline-Ransome's work.