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 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.

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5 Award Winning and Honored Books for 1989

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Secondary Level Winner

Book Description: 
The biography of the great African-American concert singer Marian Anderson traces the story of the life of the artist in south Philadelphia, her breatkthrough and acclaimed career in Europe in the 1930s, and her eventual success at home in the United States.

Outstanding Merit

Book Description: 
Aware of Mr. Doby’s neglect by biographers, Mr. Moore, who has been a fan of his subject ever since he heard the Doby legend, seeks to give him recognition… . Mr. Moore effectively uses records, interviews, and a clear narrative style to make his points (what is more persuasive in sports than an athlete’s record! what is more animated than public statements and their refutations!), and gives voice to some of Mr. Doby’s severest critics . Pride Against Prejudice is a tribute to both its author and Larry Doby New York Times Book Review This is an excellent biography of Larry Doby, the first black player in the American League and one of the first black managers in the major leagues… . Moore has done a superb job of researching Doby’s life and writing about it. The book is highly recommended. The Sporting NewsAs the second black major league baseball player, following Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby has never received the acclaim accorded to Robinson; yet his experiences of segregation and racial invective, and his courage and ability to excel in the face of almost overwhelming circumstances, were equivalent. This fascinating biography brings to light many interesting and little-known facts concerning Doby’s life and baseball career, and his contribution as a civil rights pioneer in the American League. His story is perceived as the story of the many black men who followed him into major league baseball, and who shared importantly in pioneering the integration of the sport.

Outstanding Merit

Book Description: 
Examines the increasingly important impact the nation’s fastest growing minority is making on American politics. Discusses the positions and concerns of Cubans, Mexican Americans, and Puerto Ricans and profiles prominent Hispanic leaders.

Outstanding Merit

Book Description: 
More than 30 paintings and drawings by artist-adventurers who traveled West in the 1800s illustrate Freedman’s vivid account of the Great Plains Indians’ buffalo hunts.

Elementary Award

Book Description: 
Traces the life of the Black woman orator who spoke out against slavery throughout New England and the Midwest.