About
Author of children's books that focused on the African-American experience. The 2009 recipient of The Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, he was most famous for works such as Dancing Granny and Beautiful Blackbird.
Before Fame
Before fighting in World War II, he studied at the Cooper Union Art School. After returning from the war, he studied philosophy at Columbia University.
Trivia
He taught in the art departments of Dartmouth College, Lafayette College, and Queen's College.
Family Life
Born and raised in New York City, he grew up with six brothers and sisters and three cousins.
Associated With
He was the United States nominee for the 2006 Hans Christian Andersen Award.
