Ackerman's first children's book was published in 1982. She has since published over twenty-five books. Her books have won many awards including Parents' Choice, ABA Pick of the List, ALA Notable Books, Children's Book Council/NCSS Notable Books in the Field of Social Studies, New York Library Best List, Horn Book's Best, and School Library Journal Best Books. Her picture-book Song and Dance Man, illustrated by Stephen Gammell, won the 1989 Caldecott Medal.
Araminta's Paint Box, illustrated by Betsy Lewin. (1990)
The Banshee illustrated by David Ray. New York: Philomel (1990)
Just Like Max illustrated by George Schmidt. New York: Knopf (1990)
The Tin Heart (1990)
Moveable Mabeline (1990)
When Mama Retires New York: Knopf (1992)
I Know A Place, illustrated by Deborah Kogan Ray. New York: Houghton Mifflin (1992)
This Old House New York: Atheneum (1992)
By the Dawn's Early Light, illustrated by Catherine Stock (1994)
The Sleeping Porchillustrated by Elizabeth Sayles. New York: Morrow (1995)
Bingleman's Midway, illustrated by Barry Moser. Honesdale: Boyds Mills Press (1995)
In the Park With Dad: A Story for Kids Whose Parents Don't Live Together illustrated by Linda Crockett-Blassingame. Boston: Pauline Books and Media (1996)
Walking With Clara Belle illustrated by Debbie Mason. Boston: Pauline Books and Media (1996)