Vaunda's Books

To obtain multiple copies at discounted prices for author events contact Lerner Publishing Group at 1-800-328-4929 or Penguin Random House at 1-800-726-0600.

Click on the book’s cover or title to learn more about the book.

Radiant
Dutton, 7 Jan 2025

Ready? Set. Puppies!
Illustrations by Derek Anderson
Random House, 2024

  reviewed in School Library Journal

Small Shoes, Great Strides
Illustrations by Alex Bostic
Carolrhoda Books, 2023

  Publishers Weekly, starred review

  Booklist, starred review

  Foreword, starred review

  The Horn Book Magazine, starred review

  School Library Journal, starred review

Ready? Set. Rides!
Illustrations by Derek Anderson
Random House, 2023

Ready? Set. Birthday!
Illustrations by Derek Anderson
Random House, 2022

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best list for Fiction for Younger Readers

  reviewed in School Library Journal

Let ’er Buck! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion
Illustrations by Gordon C. James
Carolrhoda Books, 2019

  2020 American Library Association (ALA) Notable Children’s Book

  2019 Booklist Top 10 Biographies for Youth

Dream March: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington
Illustrations by Sally Wern Comport
Random House Children’s Books, 2017

  School Library Journal, starred review

Don’t Call Me Grandma 
Illustrations by Elizabeth Zunon
Carolrhoda Books, 2016

  A Best Book of 2016, National Public Radio

The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore
Illustrations by R. Gregory Christie
Carolrhoda Books, 2015 

  2013 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor

  2016 Jane Addams Children’s Book Honor

  Booklist, starred review

  Kirkus Reviews, starred review

  2012 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for Fiction

  2013 Coretta Scott King Author Honor

  Best of Show, 2012 New Mexico–Arizona Book Awards

  The Horn Book Magazine, starred review

  Kirkus Reviews, starred review

  Publishers Weekly, starred review

  School Library Journal, starred review

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal
Illustrations by R. Gregory Christie
Carolrhoda Books, 2009

  2010 Coretta Scott King Author Award

  2010 Simon Wiesenthal “Once Upon a World” Children’s Book Award

  Carter G. Woodson Honor Book

  2010 Western Writers of America Spur Finalist

  Washington Post Best Book of the Year

  Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

  The Horn Book Magazine, starred review

  Kirkus Reviews, starred review

  Publishers Weekly, starred review

  School Library Journal, starred review

Juneteenth 
Co-author: Drew Nelson 
Illustrations by Mark Schroder
Millbrook Press, 2006 

  Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year

Almost to Freedom 
Illustrations by Colin Bootman
Carolrhoda Books, 2003

2004 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor

Ready? Set. Raymond! 
Illustrations by Derek Anderson
Random House, 2002

Other Books

Books can be acquired at local libraries or purchased through bookstores or online retailers.

Click on the book’s cover or title to learn more about the book.

Who Will I Be, Lord?
Illustrations by Sean Qualls
Random House, 2009 (o.p.)

“Highly Commended,” Charlotte Zolotow Award Committee, Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CBC)

Beyond Mayfield
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1999 (o.p.)

  1999 Parents’ Choice Gold Award

Possibles
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1995 (o.p.)

Mayfield Crossing
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1993 (o.p.)

  27th Georgia Children’s Book Award

  Booklist, starred review

Always Gramma
Illustrations by Kimanne Uhler
G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1988 (o.p.)

  Children’s Book Council (CBC) Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies

Poetry

“What Am I?” Cricket, February 2005
“Family,” Cricket, June 2001
“Snow White,” Cicada, May/June 1999