Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners 1970 to Present

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

The award was established in 1969 to recognize authors. In 1979 it was expanded to include a separate award for illustrators. There are five categories of 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.

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6 Coretta Scott King Award Winning and Honored Books for 1990

Author Award

Book Description: 
The moving story of the courage and solidarity that helped shape the history of African Americans explains how the actions of the train workers fraternity helped change the way of labor and the civil rights movement in this country. Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. Reprint. AB. SLJ.

Author Honor

Book Description: 
The Makers of America set offers engaging and inspiring portraits of the private lives and public achievements of some of the most significant people in history. These critically acclaimed volumes make skillful use of primary sources to capture the excitement of a period and provide a rich historical context. They offer a fresh, stimulating approach to learning about important chapters in history, including many events, movements, and issues often neglected by traditional narratives.This volume tells the story of Dr. King’s nonviolent struggle to achieve his goals.

Author Honor

Book Description: 
Beautifully composed in a variety of styles—rap, blues, and free verse—these 18 poems offers a black child’s insights into his own heart and mind, and into the lives of family and friends. Nine-year-old Nathaniel reflects on what it’s like to be curious, smart, and full of ideas. 1990 Coretta Scott King Award.

Author Honor

Book Description: 
Twelve-year-old Jason Bell waits impatiently for Christmas 1890. Set against the carefully researched background life of a middle-class black family in Ohio a century ago, “Hamilton’s story moves along at an elegant pace, giving readers time to savor the holiday preparations.”—School Library Journal

Illustrator Award

Book Description: 
Beautifully composed in a variety of styles—rap, blues, and free verse—these 18 poems offers a black child’s insights into his own heart and mind, and into the lives of family and friends. Nine-year-old Nathaniel reflects on what it’s like to be curious, smart, and full of ideas. 1990 Coretta Scott King Award.

Illustrator Honor

Book Description: 
The author of such delights as The Christmas Ark and The Enchanted Tapestry joins forces with illustrator Pinkney to resurrect a colorful folktale that captures the unique flavor of the American South. A 1989 Caldecott Honor Book.