Carter G. Woodson Award Winning Books
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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.
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.” Here is a printable list of all the award winning books and a collage of all the award winning titles. 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.
4 Award Winning and Honored Books for 2023
Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America
The first book to explore the historical role and residual impact of the Green Book, a travel guide for black motorists
Published from 1936 to 1966, the Green Book was hailed as the "black travel guide to America." At that time, it was very dangerous and di cult for African-Americans to travel because black travelers couldn t eat, sleep, or buy gas at most white-owned businesses. The Green Book listed hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and other businesses that were safe for black travelers. It was a resourceful and innovative solution to a horrific problem. It took courage to be listed in the Green Book, and Overground Railroad celebrates the stories of those who put their names in the book and stood up against segregation. It shows the history of the Green Book, how we arrived at our present historical moment, and how far we still have to go when it comes to race relations in America.
Because of You, John Lewis
by Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrated by Keith Henry Brown
An inspiring story of a friendship between Congressman John Lewis and 10-year-old activist Tybre Faw by New York Times bestselling and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Andrea Davis Pinkney!
Ten-year-old Tybre Faw is obsessed with history and the civil rights movement, and he devours every book he can find on the subject. When he learns of Congressman John Lewis s harrowing and heroic march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the fight for the right to vote, Tybre is determined to meet him.
Tybre s two grandmothers take him on the seven-hour drive to Selma. And as the two meet and become fast friends, Tybre joins Lewis for the annual walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge!
When John Lewis is laid to rest, Tybre is invited to read Lewis s favorite poem, Invictus, at the funeral service. Pinkney weaves this story of a boy with a dream with the story of a true-life hero (who himself was inspired by Martin Luther King when he was a boy). Both John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr. have left indelible marks on future generations. Will Tybre be next to carry the mantle?
I Color Myself Different
by Colin Kaepernick, Illustrated by Eric Wilkerson
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
An inspiring story of identity and self-esteem from celebrated athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick.
When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth.
I Color Myself Different is a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on real events in young Colin s life that is perfect for every reader s bookshelf. It s a story of self-discovery, staying true to one s self, and advocating for change even when you re very little!
Until Someone Listens: A Story about Borders, Family, and One Girl’s Mission
by Estela Juarez with Lissette Norman, Illustrated by Teresa Martínez
When Estela Juarez s mom is deported to Mexico, Estela knows she has to speak up for her family. Told in Estela s own words, Until Someone Listens is a true story about a young girl finding her voice and using it to make change.
Estela s family lives together in a happy home full of love. Or, at least, they used to until their home was torn apart.
My mom had to go back,
to the other side of the river,
because she wasn t born in this country.
For years her family fought and fought for permission for her to stay in the U.S. But no one listened. When Estela was eight, her mother was deported to Mexico.
Estela knew she had to do something. So she wrote letters: to local newspapers, Congress, the President, and anyone else who could help. She wrote and wrote and wrote until, finally someone listened.
In this heart wrenching, autobiographical story, Estela Juarez s letters take her from the local news all the way to the national stage, where she discovers the power in her words and pledges to keep using her voice until her family and others like hers are together again.
Also available in Spanish as Hasta que alguien me escuche!
