A Place for Us - by James E Ransome (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A poignant wordless picture book about a homeless boy and his mom, by Children's Literature Legacy Award winner James Ransome

When a little boy's mom picks him up from school, his day seems a lot like any other kid's. He and his mom go out for some fast food and then head to the library. But when they stay there till closing time, and then go to the park, we learn more. Through the lens of Ransome's evocative illustrations we see that they ate out because they don't have a kitchen to cook in. They went to the library because they don't have a quiet space to do homework. And at night, they settle in to sleep on a bench in a city park because they don't have a home. The next morning, they are awakened by the rising sun, Mom's bag is full of clean clothes, and there's a fountain for washing up--and finally they are ready for the walk to school. His classmates may or may not know about his living situation, but what shines throughout the story is the deep love he and his mom have for each other.

Review Quotes

* "A wordless tale that speaks loudly of American inequality. . . . Ransome's gorgeous, richly hued watercolors convey the love between mother and child, balancing the difficulties they face with moments of true joy. In an author's note, he asks, 'In a country of vast resources, what is our responsibility to those without access to the basic necessities?' Readers of this empathetic tale will come away resolved to work toward a world in which all people's needs are met. Thought-provoking, heartbreaking, and moving." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

About the Author

James Ransome, recipient of the 2023 Children's Literature Legacy Award, is the illustrator of many award-winning picture books, including Sonny Rollins Plays the Bridge (by Gary Golio), The Creation (by James Weldon Johnson), which won a Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration, and Let My People Go (by Patricia McKissack), winner of an NAACP Image Award. His other books include This Is the Rope (by Jacqueline Woodson), Young Pele (by Lesa Cline-Ransome), and Sky Boys (by Deborah Hopkinson). He lives in upstate New York with his wife, author Lesa Cline-Ransome, and their family.