The Remarkable, Unique, and Beautiful Ashley Bryan: An Appreciation

Many of us in this small world of US children’s literature have been fortunate enough to have encountered Ashley Bryan (who, a few weeks ago, at age 93, received a long-over-due Newbery, an honor for Freedom Over Me).  And none of us who have will ever forget this intelligent, courtly, warm, and creative man. But as for the rest of the world?  Those outside are regularly surprised by this incredible man. Case in point: at the 2009 Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder Banquet where Neil Gaiman, a rock sta...