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.
6 Award Winning and Honored Books for 2004
Secondary Level Winner
History Firsthand - Early Black Reformers (History Firsthand Series)
by James Tackach
Greenhaven Publishing (Feb 14, 2003)
Nonfiction, Hardcover, 224 pages
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
More Info
The term “civil rights movement” calls to mind the nation-wide effort, spearheaded by Martin Luther King Jr., during the 1950s and 1960s to end racial segregation and racial injustice in the United States. But the struggle for citizenship rights for African Americans predates King’s movement by almost two hundred years. This anthology comprises the firsthand experiences of black civil rights advocates before King.
Secondary Level Honor
Gwendolyn Brooks: Poet from Chicago (World Writers)
by Martha E. Rhynes
Morgan Reynolds Publishing (Dec 01, 2002)
Nonfiction, Hardcover, 112 pages
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
More Info
Presents a biography of the African American poet who has received the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize.
Middle Level Winner
In America’s Shadow
by Kimberly Komatsu, Kaleigh Komatsu, and Mitchell T. Maki
Thomas George Books (Feb 19, 2003)
Fiction, Hardcover, 96 pages
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
More Info
Chronicles the history of Japanese Americans from immigration to the World War II internment, as told through the eyes of a young girl and her grandfather.
Middle Level Honor
Sojourner Truth: From Slave to Activist for Freedom (Library of American Lives and Times (Hardcover))
by Mary Butler
Rosen Publishing (Jan 01, 2003)
Nonfiction, Hardcover, 112 pages
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
More Info
Biographies for Grades 4-8 Correlated to the Curriculum Extend the learning through this second twelve-book set from The Library of American Lives and Times! Each book in the latest set continues to use extensive primary sources as it brings American history to life for your students. Learn about some of the greatest players who helped in shaping America as it grew from a colony to a world superpower. Through a chronological narrative, enriched with diary entries, letters, and other primary documents, students will learn about the various stages of the United States’s development, as well as learn to think about history from the perspective of both individuals and society.
Elementary Level Honor
Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez
by Kathleen Krull
HMH Books for Young Readers (Mar 01, 2003)
Nonfiction, Hardcover, 48 pages
Target Age Group: Picture Book
More Info
Cesar Chavez is known as one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders. When he led a 340-mile peaceful protest march through California, he ignited a cause and improved the lives of thousands of migrant farmworkers. But Cesar wasn’t always a leader. As a boy, he was shy and teased at school. His family slaved in the fields for barely enough money to survive. Cesar knew things had to change, and he thought that—maybe—he could help change them. So he took charge. He spoke up. And an entire country listened. An author’s note provides historical context for the story of Cesar Chavez’s life.
Elementary Award
Sacagawea
by Liselotte Erdrich and Julie Buffalohead
Carolrhoda Books (Jul 01, 2003)
Nonfiction, Hardcover, 40 pages
Target Age Group: Picture Book
More Info
A biography of the Shoshone girl, Sacagawea, from age eleven when she was kidnapped by the Hitdatsa to the end of her journey with Lewis and Clark, plus speculation about her later life.