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Books by Julius Lester | Wonderlit

Books by Julius Lester

19 books · Ages 4–18

Known for the Uncle Remus series, Julius Lester writes picture books and middle grade and young adult for ages 4–18, alongside 18 standalone books, exploring themes of celebrating heritage, african american heritage, justice & fairness.

Series

The Last Tales of Uncle Remus

1 book · Ages 7–12

Standalone Books

Cover of Long Journey Home

Long Journey Home

Julius Lester

For the teenager grappling with the weight of history and the meaning of freedom. These stories offer a raw, dignified l

Ages 12–18

Cover of The Man Who Knew Too Much: A Moral Tale from the Baila of Zambia

The Man Who Knew Too Much: A Moral Tale from the Baila of Zambia

A giant eagle descends from the sky to cradle a crying infant in its talons, but a father’s doubt threatens the safety o

Cover of From Slave Ship to Freedom Road

From Slave Ship to Freedom Road

Powerful illustrations anchor this history of the American slave trade, following the journey from the ships to the hero

Cover of Sam and the Tigers

Sam and the Tigers

A clever boy named Sam must use his quick wits to stay safe when he encounters a group of hungry tigers looking for thei

Cover of Ackamarackus: Julius Lester's Sumptuously Silly Fantastically Funny Fables

Ackamarackus: Julius Lester's Sumptuously Silly Fantastically Funny Fables

Six original fables mix playful nonsense with serious wisdom to explore life’s little lessons in a fun and imaginative w

Cover of Why Heaven is Far Away

Why Heaven is Far Away

Chaos erupts when animals and people use ladders to escape their problems, leading God and an angel named Shaniqua to mo

Cover of To Be a Slave

For parents seeking to discuss the harsh realities of American history through the authentic, unfiltered voices of those

Cover of Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue

Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue

The skies weep as a desperate man prepares the largest slave auction in history, told through the many voices of those s

Cover of The Hungry Ghosts

The Hungry Ghosts

A clever young boy takes on a supernatural challenge as he searches for a way to satisfy the bellies of three very hungr

Cover of The Old African

The Old African

For the child grappling with the weight of history and the meaning of heritage, this lyrical reimagining of a legend off

Cover of Shining

For the child who feels overlooked or whose quiet nature is misunderstood by others, this fable celebrates the radiant i

Cover of Pharaoh's Daughter

Pharaoh's Daughter

Almah, the sister of Moses, struggles with her identity and heart as she grows up within the royal Egyptian court during

Cover of This Strange New Feeling

This Strange New Feeling

For the young adult exploring how the heart survives and seeks connection even in the most restricted and unjust of circ

Cover of Knee-High Man and Other Tales, The

Knee-High Man and Other Tales, The

For the child who feels small in a big world, these classic tales show how cleverness and spirit can outshine size and s

Cover of Blues Singers: Ten Who Rocked the World, The

Blues Singers: Ten Who Rocked the World, The

A grandfatherly voice shares the legendary lives of icons like Aretha Franklin and B.B. King, showing how their voices c

Cover of Time's Memory

The child of a creator-god enters the body of an enslaved person, seeking to heal deep historical wounds through spiritu

Cover of Let's Talk About Race

Let's Talk About Race

Every person is a collection of stories, and race is just one chapter. Share in a journey of self-discovery that looks b

Cover of John Henry

Watercolor illustrations bring to life the legendary strength of Johnnie Henry as he faces off against a machine in this

By Age Range

The Man Who Knew Too Much: A Moral Tale from the Baila of Zambia

Sam and the Tigers

Ackamarackus: Julius Lester's Sumptuously Silly Fantastically Funny Fables

The Man Who Knew Too Much: A Moral Tale from the Baila of Zambia

From Slave Ship to Freedom Road

Sam and the Tigers

Long Journey Home

From Slave Ship to Freedom Road

To Be a Slave

Common Themes

Celebrating Heritage African American Heritage Justice & Fairness History Resilience & Perseverance Writing & Storytelling Fairy Tales & Mythology Being Different

If Your Family Loves Julius Lester, Also Try

Rewards and Fairies

Rudyard Kipling

Rewards and Fairies

Cold-Blooded Myrtle

Elizabeth C. Bunce

Cold-Blooded Myrtle

Markless

Fair Ball! 14 Great Stars from Baseball's Negro Leagues

Fair Ball! 14 Great Stars from Baseball's Negro Leagues

Island Creatures

Margarita Engle

Island Creatures