The 2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award
Poet Nikki Grimes was awarded the 2003 Coretta Scott King Author Award for "Bronx Masquerade" ([link url>http://erclk.about.com/?zi=16/%5dcompare prices[/link]), which was published by Dial Book for Young Readers. The book centers on the 18 high school students in an English class, who despite their differences (race, culture, gender, etc.), come to know themselves and one another through creating and listening to one another's poetry. The 176-page book is for ages 12 and older. Brenda Woods' "The Red Rose Box," which was published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, was recognized as an Honor Book in the Author category as was Nikki Grimes' "Talkin' About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman," which also won the top award for illustration.
The 2003 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
E.B. Lewis was awarded the Illustrator Award for "Talkin' About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman" ([link url>http://erclk.about.com/?zi=16/%5dcompare prices[/link]), which was published by Orchard Books/Scholastic. Lewis' dramatic, full page watercolor paintings of Coleman's life and his miniature portraits of those speaking about her greatly enhance this fascinating book about the first African American, female, licensed pilot in the world. This fictionalized account of Coleman's life is presented in the form of poetic eulogies delivered at the funeral of the aviator, who died in a plane crash at the age of 34. Leo and Diane Dillon's "Rap A Tap Tap: Here's Bojangles - Think of That," published by Blue Sky Press/Scholastic, Inc., and Bryan Collier's "Visiting Langston," published by Henry Holt & Co., were recognized as Honor Books.
The 2002 Coretta Scott King Author Award
"The Land" was written by Mildred D. Taylor and published by Fogelman/Penguin Putnam. According to Award Committee Chair Fran Ware, "Taylor offers an ingenious prequel to [her 1976 Newbery Award winner]'Roll of Thunder, [Hear My Cry].' 'The Land' unveils the precarious world of Paul-Edward Logan, a black boy who could pass for white and invites readers into his remarkable and painful journey to manhood." Two books were recognized as Honor Books: "Money Hungry," by Sharon G. Flake, published by Jump at the Sun/Hyperion and "Carver: a Life in Poems," by Marilyn Nelson, published by Front Street.
The 2002 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award Winner
"Goin' Someplace Special" was written by Patricia McKissack and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. The publisher is Anne Schwartz Book/Atheneum. Based on Patricia McKissack's own life, this is the story of 'Tricia Ann, an African American girl who is finally old enough to go downtown by herself to what she calls "someplace special." It's the time of the Jim Crow laws and 'Tricia Ann experiences humiliation on her journey but continues, buoyed by her grandmother's faith in her and the support of several people on the way. Her "someplace special" turns out to be the public library where the sign above the door states, "All are welcome." Jerry Pinkney's artwork poignantly illustrates both 'Tricia Ann's joy and the hurt she experiences. "Martin's Big Words," which was illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Doreen Rappoport and published by Jump at the Sun/Hyperion was recognized as an Honor Book. This picture book biography of Martin Luther King, Jr. features Bryan Collier's dramatic and moving cut paper collage and watercolor artwork.
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