Randy DuBurke facts for kids

Randy DuBurke (born 1962) is an American artist. He is famous for writing and illustrating books for young readers. His book The Moon Ring won the Steptoe Award in 2003. He also illustrated Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty in 2010. Before writing children's books, he worked as a comic book artist in the 1980s and 1990s.

Early Life and Education

Randy DuBurke was born in Washington, Georgia, in 1962. He later moved to New York City. He studied at New York Technical College. There, he earned a degree in graphic arts. This education helped him become a talented artist.

His Career in Comics

DuBurke started his career in the comic book world. His first comic story was "A Life in the Day." It appeared in Doom Patrol vol. 2 #9 in 1988. He also drew for the "Black Canary" series. This was part of Action Comics Weekly in 1988. From 1994 to 2000, he worked on the The Big Book Of series for Paradox Press.

Creating Books for Kids

In the early 2000s, Randy DuBurke began working on children's books. His book The Moon Ring was released in 2003. This book won the Steptoe Award. This award is given to new talented authors.

He worked with writer Andy Helfer on Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography (2006). This graphic novel tells the story of Malcolm X's life. It is often suggested for high school students.

In 2010, DuBurke teamed up with writer Greg Neri. They created Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty. This book tells the story of Robert "Yummy" Sandifer. Critics praised the book for its powerful artwork. School Library Journal said his art made the book "far more compelling."

Recent Projects

In 2014, DuBurke started working on a graphic novel. It was about the famous jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter. This graphic novel was released in 2018. It came out with Shorter's music album, Emanon.

Personal Life

Randy DuBurke lives in Switzerland. He lives there with his wife and children.

Awards and Recognitions

Randy DuBurke has won several awards for his work.

For Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty, he received:

• The Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum of Tolerance Once Upon A World Children's Book Award.
• It was named a 2011 YALSA Top 10 Quick Pick.
• It was a 2011 IRA Notable Book for a Global Society.
• The Chicago Public Library listed it as one of the Best Informational Books for Older Readers of 2010.
• It was included in Cynsational Books of 2010.

For Best Shot in the West, he earned:

• The 2012 BCCB Blue Ribbon Book award.
• The 2013 Bank Street CBC Best Children's Book of the Year award.
• A Silver Award from the 2013 Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles.