
Author Lesa Cline-RanÂsome is known for her picÂture book biograÂphies of poets, anti-slavÂery cruÂsaders, musiÂcians, athÂletes, and mathÂeÂmatiÂcians. Her novÂel FindÂing Langston received a Scott O’Dell HisÂtorÂiÂcal FicÂtion Award and a CoretÂta Scott King Author HonÂor. We impaÂtientÂly waitÂed for the comÂpanÂion novÂel, LeavÂing Lymon, which was pubÂlished in earÂly 2020. Lesa is a wonÂderÂful stoÂryÂteller and a stelÂlar nonÂficÂtion researcher and author. We’re glad she’s SkinÂny DipÂping with us!
One green thing I wish everyÂone would do: Recycle
The book I wish everyÂone would read: Isabel Wilkerson’s The Warmth of OthÂer Suns: The Epic StoÂry of America’s Great MigraÂtion. It will forÂevÂer change the way in which you see hisÂtoÂry, race and inequalÂiÂty in this country.
The best way to stay fit: Walk. Every sinÂgle day.
What keeps me up at night: The curÂrent state of polÂiÂtics, diviÂsiveÂness, and partisanship.
ProudÂest moment in my career: ComÂpletÂing my first midÂdle grade novÂel (FindÂing Langston) after years of writÂing picÂture books.
I don’t believe in: Limitations
My mom was right about: NearÂly everyÂthing, but when I was young, she told me to always focus more enerÂgy on groomÂing my inteÂriÂor than my exteÂriÂor and I would grow into a woman I could be proud of.
I tell myself every day: To trust myself.
The bravest thing I’ve ever done: Become a mothÂer to four chilÂdren. There is no instrucÂtion manÂuÂal and yet every day requires a difÂferÂent skill set, hard work, enerÂgy, humor and resourcefulness.
If I could give you a piece of advice, it would be this: Be a reader.
The food I can’t resist: ChocoÂlate layÂer cake (warm, with a litÂtle scoop of vanilÂla ice cream on the side)
What I do when I want to feel joy: SurÂround myself with friends and famÂiÂly, good music and great food.
ConÂgratÂuÂlaÂtions on your sucÂcessÂes.… Your work is awesome.
What to do in a panÂdemÂic? Find an invigÂoÂratÂing interÂview with Lesa Cline-RanÂsome and take heart about readÂing, writÂing, walkÂing, lisÂtenÂing to our mothÂers, being brave. Thanks to her for writÂing her resÂoÂnant books, and to WindÂing Oak for bringÂing her strengthÂenÂing presÂence into this unsteady time.
What wise advice from your mother!
I love your mom’s advice! ConÂgratÂuÂlaÂtions on your new book!