The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are presented annually by the Coretta Scott King Task Force of the Ethnic Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table of the American Library Association (ALA). According to the ALA,
The award (or awards) is given to an African American author and an African American illustrator for an outstandingly inspirational and educational contribution. The books promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream. The Award is further designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.
The 2008 Coretta Scott King Author Award
Christopher Paul Curtis, author of
Elijah of Buxton, is the winner of the 2008 Coretta Scott King Author Award. (
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“Elijah of Buxton, published by Scholastic, tells the story of 11-year-old Elijah, known to family and friends as “frag-ile,” and the community of former slaves who build a new life in Canada. . . . 'Christopher Paul Curtis is particularly adept at capturing little-known aspects of the African American experience in Canada. Curtis' research brings alive the stories of escaped slaves,' said Award Jury Chair Carole McCollough.” (1/14/08 ALA news release)
The 2008 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
Writer and artist Ashley Bryan received the 2008 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for
Let it Shine, which was published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers. (
compare prices) According to Award Jury Chair Carole McCollough,
“In Let it Shine. . . . Bryan uses bright-colored paper to create the collage figures that cover double-page spreads illustrating three selected spirituals. Bryan's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the accuracy of the musical notations provided for each song.”(1/14/08 ALA news release)
Let It Shine is a beautiful book, one that will delight both children and adults.
The 2008 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award
Sundee T. Frazier received the 2008 Coretta Scott King New Author Award for
Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It, which was published by Delacorte Press. (
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The 2008 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books
- November Blues by Sharon M. Draper, published by Atheneum Books for Young Adults (compare prices)
- Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali, written by Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier, published by Candlewick Press (compare prices)
The 2008 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books
- The Secret Olivia Told Me, by N. Joy, illustrated by Nancy Devard, published by Just Us Books (compare prices)
- Jazz On A Saturday Night, by Leo and Diane Dillon, published by Scholastic Blue Sky Press (compare prices)
The 2007 Coretta Scott King Author Award
Sharon Draper, author of
Copper Sun, which was published by Simon & Schuster/Atheneum Books for Young Readers, is the winner of the 2007 Coretta Scott King Author Award. (
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In Copper Sun, 15-year-old Amari’s struggle with the evils of slavery will resonate with today’s teens…"You can’t help but be drawn into Amari’s life as you turn the pages,” said Coretta Scott King Book Award Jury Chair Darwin L. Henderson. “Amari's spirit and determination will leave readers breathless, even as they gain a deeper understanding of the history of slavery in our country.” (ALA Award news release)
The 2007 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
Illustrator Kadir Nelson received the 2007 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for
Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, which was written by Carole Boston Weatherford and published by Jump at the Sun/Hyperion Books for Children. (
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Nelson’s bold and expressively detailed paintings capture the essence of Harriet Tubman’s treacherous journey toward freedom. Double-page spreads use shades of blues, browns and golds to portray Tubman as a larger-than-life African historical figure while maintaining her full humanity. (ALA Award news release)
The 2007 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award
Traci L. Jones received the 2007 Coretta Scott King New Author Award for
Standing Against the Wind, which was published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. (
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The 2007 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book
- The Road to Paris, written by Nikki Grimes and published by G.P. Putnum’s Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group. (compare prices)
The 2007 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Books
- Jazz, illustrated by Christopher Myers, written by Walter Dean Myers and published by Holiday House, Inc. (compare prices)
- Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes, illustrated by Benny Andrews, edited by David Roessel and Arnold Rampersad, and published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. (compare prices)
See the next page for information on the 2006 Coretta Scott King Award winners.
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