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.

Select Year202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977197619751974

6 Award Winning and Honored Books for 1991

---

Secondary Level Winner

Book Description: 
Describes the life and work of the prolific black author who wrote stories, plays, essays, and articles, recorded black folklore, and was involved in the Harlem Renaissance.

Outstanding Merit

Book Description: 
This is the moving story of how Jackie Robinson became the first black player on a Major League baseball team when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s, and how on a fateful day in Cincinnati, Pee Wee Reese took a stand and declared Jackie his teammate. Illustrated with a blend of historic photographs and eloquent watercolors by Paul Bacon.

Outstanding Merit

Book Description: 
Text and photographs document the day-to-day happenings and milestones in the life of a young Mexican boy whose family seeks amnesty in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Outstanding Merit

Book Description: 
Examines the upbringing, education, writings, and political activities of one of the founders of the NAACP.

Outstanding Merit

Book Description: 
A new perspective on an importnt era of American history is presented in this enlightening book which focuses on the heroism of slaves prior to and during the Civil War. 65 prints and black-and-white photographs illustrate an informative book that forcefully shows the slaves’ striving toward freedom.

Elementary Award

Book Description: 
A biography of, Shirley Chisholm the first black woman to run for president of the United States.