Gordon C. James
BIO
Born in Washington, DC and raised in Fort Washington, MD GORDON C. JAMES has been pursuing an art career ever since attending high school at Suitland Center for the Visual and Performing Arts in Forestville, Maryland. From there he went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in illustration from School of Visual Arts in New York City.
After a national search in 1997 Gordon was one of only two full time illustrators hired to work for Hallmark Cards Inc. As an award winning fine artist Gordon works to achieve the highest level of craftsmanship and beauty. He brings these same sensibilities to the table when creating his illustrative work. Gordon’s illustrations, are soulful, emotive and technically sound. As a testament to these qualities Gordon is an award winning, bestselling children’s book illustrator, Among his accolades are Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honors and a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal. He is also the only illustrator to have won the prestigious Kirkus Prize for Children’s Literature twice for his books I Am Every Good Thing and Crowns: Am Ode To The Fresh Cut written by Derrick Barnes.
Gordon C. James lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife Ingrid and their two children Astrid and Gabriel and Rascal the dog. He is proud to create beautiful works of art that help to tell stories and bring books to life.
GO TELL IT: HOW JAMES BALDWIN BECAME A WRITER
The first time Jimmy read a book the words clung to him like glitter…
Before James Baldwin was a celebrated novelist, essayist, playwright, poet, and activist, he was a boy who fell in love with stories. Words opened up new worlds for young Jimmy, who read and wrote at every opportunity. He ultimately realized his dreams of becoming an author and giving voice to his community, and in doing so he showed the world the fullness of Black American life.
This picture book biography written by Quartez Harris and illustrated by Gordon C. James of an American icon is a poetic introduction to Baldwin and celebration of the power of language. Additional biographical information and personal notes from the author and illustrator round out this stunning celebration of Baldwin’s life and work.
