“After initially publishing the instruction book The Folksinger’s Guide to the 12-String Guitar as Played by Leadbelly with musician Pete Seeger in 1965, Professor Lester went on to write essays, fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books. Among the latter was 1968’s To Be a Slave, which was named a Newbery Honor Book – a finalist for the prestigious Newbery Medal. He also collaborated with African-American illustrator Jerry Pinkney on children’s books, including a reworking of the Uncle Remus tales and 1996’s Sam and the Tigers: A Retelling of Little Black Sambo.”