Kadir Nelson (he/him/his)

Kadir Nelson is the award winning illustrator of many celebrated books for young readers, including “The Undefeated,” a Caldecott Medal recipient, “We Are the Ship,” a Coretta Scott King Author Award, Illustrator Honor, and Sibert Medal, and “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom,” a Caldecott Honor, Coretta Scott King Award, and NAACP Image Award. His new book is "Basket Ball: The Story of the All-American Game." His artwork has appeared in major publications and museums. He lives in Southern California. 

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Awards: Caldecott Honor Book, Caldecott Medal, NAACP Image Award (x3), Coretta Scott King Author Award, Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award, Hamilton King Award for Best Illustration

Communities: African American

Researching & Writing Engaging Nonfiction

Nonfiction that engages readers goes far beyond facts to tell stories and raise critical life-changing issues. Four authors share their strategies for researching and writing books about climate change, space exploration, basketball, and baseball.

Education Room 351 (Seats 46, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 14, 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Children
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelists: Anne Broyles, Cynthia Levinson, Kadir Nelson, John Parra
Moderator: Janelle Mathis
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of Southside Community School

Illustrator Studio: Oil Painting and Perspective

Kadir Nelson is well-known for his incredible oil paintings that make superb use of light and perspective. He will demonstrate the techniques used his new picture book, "Basket Ball: The All American Game."

Education Room 437 (Seats 65, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 14, 4:00 pm - 4:55 pm
Children
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelist: Kadir Nelson
Moderators: Ray Martens, Cynnamon Woodberry
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of The William and Mary Ross Foundation

The Real Work Behind Great Events

The daily lives and labor of the people whose work underpins history’s greatest events often go unseen. From the early players of the "Basket Ball" league to the workers who built the Empire State Building, these authors reveal how they bring overlooked individuals to life for readers across generations.

UA Library/Special Collections (Seats 110)  
Sun, Mar 15, 10:00 am - 10:55 am
History / Biography
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Integrated Learning Center (following presentation)  

Panelists: Glenn Kurtz, Kadir Nelson
Moderator: Jaynie Adams
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of University of Arizona Libraries, University of Arizona Press, Wick Communications

Books:

Basket Ball

The Story of the All-American Game
Children
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
January 2026
ISBN 9780316209403
112 pages
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We Are the Ship

The Story of Negro League Baseball
Children
Little Brown
January 2008
ISBN 9780786808328
96 pages
Buy now