The 2013 Ezra Jack Keats Award

Summary: Lester's orderly life is upended when Cousin Clara moves in, knitting him a series of ghastly sweaters. Each time he manages to rid himself of one, another appears. As the sweaters pile up, Lester must devise a clever plan to stop the woolly invasion before he's forever trapped in a wardrobe of embarrassment. Will he find a way to end the cycle of dreadful knitwear, or is he doomed to a life of pom-poms and peculiar patterns? Discover the hilarity and heart in this tale of unwanted gifts and family dynamics.

Summary: Ganesha, an elephant-headed boy with a sweet tooth, faces a dilemma when his tusk breaks after biting a giant laddoo. Upset, he turns to the wise poet Vyasa and his friend Mr. Mouse for help. Together, they discover that what seems broken can be unexpectedly useful. This vibrant retelling of a classic tale blends humor and wisdom, inviting readers to explore how challenges can lead to unexpected opportunities. Will Ganesha's broken tusk help him in ways he never imagined? Dive into this colorful adventure to find out.

Summary: Kedi, a young girl from Cameroon, learns about the Great Depression's impact on New York City. With people starving and children hungry, Kedi wonders if she can make a difference from across the ocean. Inspired by true events, this story follows Kedi's journey of compassion and determination to help those in need, raising questions about the power of one small act of kindness to change the world.

Summary: In a world where childhood dreams fade, a prison guard and an inmate rediscover hope through letters and stamps. As the inmate's stories of distant lands captivate the guard, an unlikely friendship blossoms behind bars. Can their shared passion for imagination bridge the divide between their starkly different lives? Discover how a simple stamp can unlock a world of possibilities and change the course of two men's destinies.

Summary: At eighty-five, former slave Bill Traylor finds himself alone in Montgomery, Alabama. With a lifetime of memories from rural life, he begins to draw, capturing the essence of his past and present. As his art flourishes, Bill's vivid depictions of people, places, and animals reveal a world rich with history and emotion. What drives this self-taught artist to create, and how will his work impact the world? Discover the journey of a man who, despite a life of hardship, leaves an indelible mark on American folk art.