The 2006 Coretta Scott King Awards include the 2006 Coretta Scott King Author Award, the 2006 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, four 2006 Honor Books, and the 2006 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award. According to the American Library Association, the goal of the
Coretta Scott King Awards is "to encourage the artistic expression of the African American experience via literature and the graphic arts" by annually honoring African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for children and young adults.
The 2006 Coretta Scott King Author Award
Julius Lester, author of
Day of Tears: A Novel in Dialogue, which was published by Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Hyperion Books for Children, received the 2006 Coretta Scott King Author Award. (
Compare prices.) Lester's novel focuses on the largest slave auction in the history of the United States, which was held in Savannah, Georgia in 1859. According to Award Committee Chair Darwin Henderson, “This accessible novel allows the reader to understand the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and their challenge to affirm humanity in the midst of slavery.” (ALA Award news release)
The 2006 Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books
- Tonya Bolden for Maritcha: A Nineteenth-Century American Girl, published by Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers (Compare prices.)
- Nikki Grimes for Dark Sons, published by Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Hyperion Books for Children (Compare prices.)
- Marilyn Nelson for A Wreath for Emmett Till, illustrated by Philippe Lardy and published by Houghton Mifflin Company (Compare prices.)
The 2006 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
Illustrator Bryan Collier received the 2006 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for
Rosa, which was written by Nikki Giovanni and published by Henry Holt and Company. (
Compare prices.) According to Henderson,
“Collier portrays the legendary seamstress known as the mother of the Civil Rights Movement in a vivid mix of watercolor and collage. He depicts a weary but determined Mrs. Parks. His brilliant illustrations capture her frustration with the status quo of the Jim Crow South.” (ALA Award news release)
The 2006 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book
- R. Gregory Christie for Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan, written by Mary Williams and published by Lee and Low Books (Compare prices.)
The 2006 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award - Author
Jaime Adoff received the 2006 Coretta Scott King New Author Award for
Jimi & Me. It was published by Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Hyperion Books for Children. (
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