Carter G. Woodson Award Winning Books


As of 2001 awards and honors are given in the following categories, Elementary (K-6), Middle (5-8), and Secondary (7-12) grade level books.

Carter Woodson Award Seal Carter G. Woodson Seal

The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) established the Carter G. Woodson Book Awards for the most distinguished books appropriate for young readers that depict ethnicity in the United States. First presented in 1974, this award is intended to “encourage the writing, publishing, and dissemination of outstanding social studies books for young readers that treat topics related to ethnic minorities and race relations sensitively and accurately.” Books relating to ethnic minorities and the authors of such books rarely receive the recognition they merit from professional organizations. By sponsoring the Carter G. Woodson Awards, NCSS gives wide recognition to and encourages these authors and publishers. Here is a printable list of all the award winning books. Learn more at NCSS’s website.

Also check out our list of Top 100+ Recommended African-American Children’s Books, some are also CSK Award winning titles.


One Award Winning Book for 1983

Award Winner

Morning Star, Black Sun: The Northern Cheyenne Indians and America’s Energy Crisis
by Brent K. Ashabranner

Publication Date: May 01, 1982
List Price: $11.95
Format: Hardcover, 154 pages
Classification: Fiction
Target Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN13: 9780396080459
Imprint: Dodd, Mead and Company
Publisher: Dodd, Mead and Company
Parent Company: Dodd, Mead and Company

Read a Description of Morning Star, Black Sun: The Northern Cheyenne Indians and America’s Energy Crisis


Book Description: 
Discusses relations between the Northern Cheyenne Indians of Montana and the United States government, as well as the tribe’s recent fight to save its lands from strip-mining coal companies.