Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners 1970 to Present

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The CSK Book Awards seal and award names are owned by the American Library Association.

coretta_scott_king The Coretta Scott King Awards are presented annually by the American Library Association to honor African-American authors and illustrators who create outstanding books for children and young adults. “… an excellent start on your quest for the best in African-American literature for children.”

The award was established in 1969 to recognize authors. In 1979 it was expanded to include a separate award for illustrators. There are now five categories for book awards; Author, Author Honor, Illustrator, Illustrator Honor, and the John Steptoe Award for New Talent.

These awards are given to commemorate the life and work of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her continuing efforts in working for peace and civil rights issues. In 2015 The Coretta Scott King Awards became part of the Youth Media Awards. Here is a printable list of all the award winning books.

You may learn more about this award at the American Library Association’s website. Also check out our list of Top 100+ Recommended African-American Children’s Books, some are also CSK Award winning titles.

6 Coretta Scott King Award Winning and Honored Books for 1974

Author Award
Ray Charles

Ray Charles

by Sharon Bell Mathis, Illustrated by George Ford

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Lee & Low Books (May 01, 2001)
Middle Grade, Nonfiction, Hardcover, 31 pages
ISBN: 9781584300182Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Book Description:

A beautiful new edition of this 1973 multiple, award-winning biography, young readers learn the, rags-to-riches story of legendary musician Ray, Charles s life - from age 7, when he loses his,sight completely, to age 40, when he performs to, dazzled audiences world-wide and participates in,the fight for racial justice. A new introduction ,by the author sets the context for Charles s, journey to stardom, and an afterword updates his,life to the present.
Author Honor
A Hero Ain’t Nothin But a Sandwich

A Hero Ain’t Nothin But a Sandwich

by Alice Childress

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List Price: $7.99
Puffin Books (Feb 01, 2000)
Young Adult, Fiction, Mass Market Paperback, 128 pages
ISBN: 9780698118546Publisher: Penguin Random House
Book Description:

Benjie can stop using heroin anytime he wants to. He just doesn t want to yet. Why would he want to give up something that makes him feel so good, so relaxed, so tuned-out? As Benjie sees it, there s nothing much to tune in for. School is a waste of time, and home life isn t much better. All Benjie wants is for someone to believe in him, for someone to believe that he s more than a thirteen-year-old junkie. Told from the perspectives of the people in his life-including his mother, stepfather, teachers, drug dealer, and best friend-this powerful story will draw you into Benjie s troubled world and force you to confront the uncertainty of his future.
Author Honor
Don’t You Remember

Don’t You Remember

by Lucille Clifton

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Dutton Juvenile (Jun 03, 1985)
Picture Book, Fiction, Hardcover, 32 pages
ISBN: 9780525288404Publisher: Penguin Random House
Book Description:

Until her birthday a young girl is convinced everyone makes promises to her that only she remembers.
Author Honor
Guests in the Promised Land

Guests in the Promised Land

by Kristin Hunter

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List Price: $7.99
Avon Books (Mm) (Jun 01, 1980)
Middle Grade, Fiction, Paperback, 32 pages
ISBN: 9780380005154Publisher: HarperCollins
Book Description:

A "must read" classic!
Author Honor
Ms. Africa: Profiles of Modern African Women

Ms. Africa: Profiles of Modern African Women

by Louise Crane

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List Price: $7.99
J. B. Lippincott (May 26, 1973)
Young Adult, Nonfiction, Loose Leaf, 159 pages
ISBN: 9780397314461Publisher: HarperCollins
Book Description:

Brief biographies of thirteen prominent African women emphasizing their achievements in their chosen careers. Included are Angie Brooks, Margaret Kenyatta, and Miriam Makeba.
Author Honor
Mukasa

Mukasa

by John Nagenda

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List Price: $8.95
Middle Grade, Fiction, Library Binding, 159 pages
ISBN: 9780027680805Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Inc.