I’d like to thank the Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards Committee. Your vote truly boosted my confidence to move forward. Thanks, y’all. Working on these projects sometimes pulls from the heart. Dealing with topics that are still raw. Researching images that are so demeaning, horrific, and then having to enlighten the...

I try to work on books that impact me personally. I was fortunate enough to illustrate Carole Boston Weatherford’s eloquent words and interpretation of the hymns that have been sung in African American community churches for what seems like centuries. I do not claim to have the same poetic abilities...

Man, it was hot that day. One of those summer days when you don’t go outside unless you can find a good spot of shade. The days when the ice-cream man doesn’t come out until the sun sets. The days when if you’re fortunate enough to be in the house,...