Coretta Scott King Book Award Winners 1970 to Present

coretta_scott_kingThe 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.”

csk winner seal
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 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.

7 Coretta Scott King Award Winning and Honored Books for 1997



Click for a larger image of Rebels Against Slavery: American Slave Revolts

Rebels Against Slavery: American Slave Revolts
by Patricia C. McKissack and Fredrick McKissack

List Price: $15.95
Scholastic Press (Jan 01, 1996)
Nonfiction, Hardcover, 182 pages
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
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Click for a larger image of Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman

Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman
by Alan Schroeder, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

List Price: $6.99
Puffin Books (Jan 01, 1996)
Nonfiction, Paperback, 40 pages
Target Age Group: Picture Book
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Click for a larger image of Neeny Coming, Neeny Going

Neeny Coming, Neeny Going
by Karen English, Illustrated by Synthia SAINT JAMES

List Price: $14.95
Troll Communications (Mar 13, 1997)
Fiction, Paperback, 32 pages
Target Age Group: Picture Book
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Click for a larger image of Running The Road To ABC (Aladdin Picture Books)

Running The Road To ABC (Aladdin Picture Books)
by Denize Lauture, Illustrated by Reynold Ruffins

List Price: $7.99
Aladdin (Feb 01, 2000)
Fiction, Paperback, 32 pages
Target Age Group: Picture Book
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Click for a larger image of The Palm of My Heart: Poetry by African American Children

The Palm of My Heart: Poetry by African American Children
by Davida Adedjouma, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

List Price: $9.95
Lee & Low Books (Apr 01, 2013)
Nonfiction, Paperback, 32 pages
Target Age Group: Picture Book
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Click for a larger image of Another Way to Dance

Another Way to Dance
by Martha Southgate

List Price: $4.99
Laurel Leaf (Jan 12, 1998)
Fiction, Mass Market Paperback, 208 pages
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
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