Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




The Works of Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome


Cover art for WORDS SET ME FREE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 3, 2012

"A solid effort that offers young readers a glimpse into the lives of children in the time of slavery and appreciate the development of a most notable life. (author's note, bibliography, timeline) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)"
For the enslaved child who grew up to be Frederick Douglass, learning to read led to freedom and a life of activism committed to abolition. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEFORE THERE WAS MOZART
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 11, 2011

"That quibble notwithstanding, this is a story that needed to be told. (Picture book/biography. 5-9)"
In the spirit of their earlier collaboration (Young Pele: Soccer's First Star, 2007) the husband-and-wife team introduce readers to the life of a relative unknown: Joseph Boulogne, often known as "the Black Mozart." Read full book review >
Cover art for HELEN KELLER
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2008
by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by James Ransome

"A nice introduction to a fascinating life for the very youngest of readers. (Picture book. 5-8)"
Young Helen Keller cannot hear, see or speak, but she knows the scent of vanilla cake coming out of the oven, the feel of her mother's fancy silk dress and that the dog is tense because the horses are outside. Read full book review >
Cover art for YOUNG PELÉ
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 25, 2007

While eight-year-old Edson do Nascimento's classmates are learning the alphabet and math, he is dreaming about playing soccer. Read full book review >
Cover art for MAJOR TAYLOR, CHAMPION CYCLIST
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2004

"An author's note summarizes Taylor's life after 1901, discusses the racial climate of turn-of-the-20th-century cycling, and cites sources. (Picture book/biography. 6-10)"
Glorious, light-filled oils are not enough to save this lackluster picture book biography of "Major" Marshall Taylor, the first African-American world-champion cyclist. Read full book review >
Cover art for QUILT COUNTING
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2002

"Will wrap readers in its warmth. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-7)"
Cline-Ransome and Ransome (Quilt Alphabet, 2001) team up again and count a colorful homage to quilts and the memories they hold. Read full book review >