1a. Hello Lesa! How long have you been writing Children’s Literature and approximately how many Children’s books have you traditionally published?

I began writing just over thirty years ago. We’d just bought a home in a new city, far from family, had our first child and I was feeling pretty isolated. I have always been an avid reader, but I was also a former copywriter and educator and loved all things literature and storytelling. When my husband, (illustrator James Ransome) suggested I write a book about the Negro League pitcher Satchel Paige, I was pretty hesitant. I didn’t even like baseball! But during my daughter’s naps and in the evenings, I worked on the Satchel Paige manuscript. Thirty‐two years, four children and thirty five books later, it was the best decision of my life.

1b. What is the name of your favorite book that you have written?

It is very hard to choose a favorite book. After completing extensive research and becoming so invested in the characters and nonfiction subjects I write about, I develop a deep connection to each book that I write. With that said, I have found that often when I encounter a challenging topic (For Lamb) or make new discoveries in the research (One Big Open Sky) and venture into new genres (Finding Langston series) and structures, (Before She was Harriet) that labor of love yields books that make me incredibly proud.

1c. When did you first take a kidlit class? How long have you studied kidlit?

I took several workshops as I began my writing journey with writers that I admired. But, for me, the greatest teacher has been books themselves. I devoured picture books, MG and YA novels and in doing so learned about structure, narrative arc, character development and voice.

What would you say are the themes across all of your many Children’s Literature publications?

I grew up at a time when accurate stories from history weren’t found in my classrooms. I am drawn now to filling in those historic gaps and providing a counter narrative to the negative and damaging myths and stereotype of Black families. The books I write center on the ways in which Black people have continued to thrive through close knit families despite wide ranging discriminatory practices rooted in racism. The themes I write about include resilience, family relationships and community.

What themes are represented in One Big Open Sky?

One Big Open Sky explores the pursuit of freedom and the many ways that freedom manifested itself in the lives of the three Black female narrators Lettie, Sylvia and Philomena in the late 19th century as they traveled along the Oregon Trail to Nebraska.

Why did you want to write this book, One Big Open Sky? What did you want to tell the world?

I grew up loving stories about strong, resilient women and particularly loved the Little House on the Prairie series. But some of Wilder’s language around Black and Indigenous people were incredibly harmful. And I could never see myself reflected in the all‐white pioneer stories of my youth. As a child I often wondered, “Are there any Black pioneers?” One Big Open Sky is my answer to that question.

What is the significance of this message?

It helps to fill in the missing stories that have so often been overlooked and misrepresented in books and history texts.

Why is this message good for children?

What I have discovered is that telling the truth of history is not just important for children to understand the fullness of history through a variety of lenses, it is equally important for adults as well. I cannot tell the number of times an adult has told me after reading one of my books, “I never knew that!” It provides great discussion points at home and in classrooms that help everyone to make connections and offer an understanding that all people, genders and identities were instrumental in the building and shaping of this country.

Any new books or events on the horizon that you want to mention?

In the Fall of 2026 I have two new books releasing in two of my favorite subject areas ‐ women and history. The first is FREEDOM TO READ: THE STORY OF TEACHER MARY PEAKE ONE MIGHTY OAK TREE in August and IDA B. WELLS: THE UNTOLD TRUTH OF A COUNTRY in September.

How can people purchase your books?

Your local bookstore is always a good place to purchase, but alternately ordering online from Bookshop also supports local bookstores. Basically, any place except Amazon. Each book purchase from Amazon destabilizes local communities, and is responsible for many indie booksellers going out of business each year. Support your local economy and newer authors by shopping local if possible.

You are open to giving a free manuscript critique or free book to someone who likes and comments on your interview on my blog. Which type of manuscript? How many words or pages? Or which book ‐ One Big Open Sky or something else?

I would be happy to donate a signed copy of They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom (a 2025 Jane Addams Picture Book Winner!) and a paperback copy of One Big Open Sky.

Thank you!!!