J ulius Lester is a best-selling author of books for both young people and young adults. He was born in St. Louis on January 27, 1939, and he grew up amidst the African-American traditions that form the basis for much of his work. He wrote To Be a Slave (1968; see separate entry, Vol. 3), his first book for young adults, at the suggestion of an editor. This nonfiction work is an account of the lives of American slaves which attempts to fill some gaps in American history as taught in America's schools. The book became a best seller and attracted a worldwide audience. It was a 1969 Newbery Honor Book. Much of Lester's subsequent writing for young adults has focused on African-American folktales, but the stories of Long Journey Home (of which "Ben" is one) are inspired by factual accounts of the African-American experience. Long Journey Home won...