London Ladd
London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA in illustration. London works primarily in a painterly style with acrylic, building opaque layers atop a foundation of thin washes, in a way that brings his colors to life. He carries a sketchbook with him everywhere he goes, constantly perfecting his craft. His published books include Midnight Teacher, Frederick’s Journey: The Life of Frederick Douglass, Waiting for Pumpsie, and March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World. London lives in Syracuse, NY.
Awards / Honors
- 2024 Starred Reviews (Kirkus, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, BCCB) – When I Hear Spirituals
- 2024 Junior Library Guild – When I Hear Spirituals
- 2024 3×3 Honorable Mention – You So Black
- 2024 Starred Review (Kirkus) – My Hair is a Book
- 2024 Bank Street Best of the Year – You So Black
- 2024 Premio Campoy-Ada Award from the Academia Norteameriana de Lengua Espanol! – Frederick’s Journey
- 2024 Black Caucus ALA Best of the Best List for 2023 – My Red, White, and Blue
- 2023 Jane Addams Peace Foundation Children’s Book Award Finalist- My Red, White, and Blue
- 2023 Bank Street College’s Best Books of the Year- Black Gold
- 2022 Kirkus Best Picture Books of the Year list – Black Gold
- 2022 Society of Illustrators Original Art – Black Gold
- 2022 Society of Illustrators-LA Illustration West 60
- 2021 Communication Arts Annual 62
- 2021 American Illustration 41
- 2020 American Illustration 40
- 2019 National Council for the Social Studies, Carter G. Woodson Book Award Honor – Midnight Teacher
- 2018 Parents’ Choice Silver Award – Midnight Teacher
- 2016 Bank Street’s Best Children’s Books of the Year – Frederick’s Journey
- 2016 ALA Notable Children’s Book: Middle Readers – Frederick’s Journey
- 2015 NYPL Children’s Book Recommendations – Frederick’s Journey
- 2015 Kids’ Indie Next List – Frederick’s Journey
- 2015 CCBC Choices – Lend a Hand
- 2015 CBC/NCSS Notable Trade Book for Young People – Under the Freedom Tree
- 2015 NCTE Notable Poetry List – Lend a Hand
- 2015 Delaware Diamonds – Lend a Hand
- 2009 ALA Carnegie Medal of Excellence in Children’s Video – March On!
- 2008 Parent’s Choice Award in Historical Fiction – March On!