Julius Lester is a best-selling author of books for young people, as well as an author for 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, his first book for young adults, at the suggestion of an editor. This nonfiction work describes the lives of American slaves and, in so doing, attempts to fill prominent gaps in American history as taught in standard curriculums. The book became a best-seller, attracted a worldwide audience, and 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 are inspired by factual accounts of the African-American experience. Long Journey Home, from which "Louis" is taken, won the 1972 Lewis...