Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Headshot for Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Agent: Miriam Altshuler
Personal Website

Charles R. Smith Jr. is an acclaimed author, poet, and photographer. He was the recipient of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for his photography in My People, a picture book based on the poem by Langston Hughes. He was the first photographer to win the award. He also won the Coretta Scott King Author Honor for writing Twelve Rounds to Glory: The story of Muhammad Ali. Charles has over twenty-five books to his credit, including If: A Father’s Advice to His Son, based on the poem by Rudyard Kipling, which he did photographs for. A native of Los Angeles, California, Charles now lives with his family in Poughkeepsie, New York. If he’s not working on a project or visiting a school, Charles enjoys martial arts, coaching youth sports, and spending time with his kids.

  • HOOP QUEENS 2
    Candlewick, 2024
  • MAJOR TAYLOR: WORLD CYCLING CHAMPION
    Candlewick, 2023
  • SOCCER QUEENS
    Candlewick, 2023
  • Bessie the Motorcycle Queen
    Orchard Books, 2022
  • SONG FOR JIMI: The Story of Guitar Legend Jimi Hendrix
    Neal Porter Books, 2021
  • HOOP KINGS 2: New Royalty
    Candlewick, 2021
  • 28 DAYS
    Roaring Book Press, 2015
  • BRICK BY BRICK
    Amistad, 2013
  • I AM THE WORLD
    Antheum Books for Young Readers, 2013
  • STARS IN THE SHADOWS
    Anthem Books for Young Readers, 2012
  • PICK-UP GAME
    Candlewick, 2011
  • BLACK JACK
    Roaring Book Press, 2010
  • CHAMELEON
    Candlewick, 2008