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.

8 Coretta Scott King Award Winning and Honored Books for 2003


Click for a larger image of Bronx Masquerade

Bronx Masquerade
by Nikki Grimes

Publication Date: Dec 29, 2003
List Price: $6.99
Format: Mass Market Paperback, 176 pages
Classification: Nonfiction
Target Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN13: 9780142501894
Imprint: Penguin Young Readers Group
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Parent Company: Bertelsmann


Click for a larger image of Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman

Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman
by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by E. B. Lewis

Publication Date: Nov 01, 2002
List Price: $17.99
Format: Hardcover, 48 pages
Classification: Fiction
Target Age Group: Picture Book
ISBN13: 9780439352437
Imprint: Scholastic Inc
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Parent Company: Scholastic Inc.


Click for a larger image of The Red Rose Box

The Red Rose Box
by Brenda Woods

Publication Date: Dec 29, 2003
List Price: $5.99
Format: Paperback, 144 pages
Classification: Fiction
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
ISBN13: 9780142501511
Imprint: Penguin Young Readers Group
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Parent Company: Bertelsmann


Click for a larger image of Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman

Talkin’ About Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman
by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by E. B. Lewis

Publication Date: Nov 01, 2002
List Price: $17.99
Format: Hardcover, 48 pages
Classification: Fiction
Target Age Group: Picture Book
ISBN13: 9780439352437
Imprint: Scholastic Inc
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Parent Company: Scholastic Inc.


Click for a larger image of Rap a Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles - Think of That!

Rap a Tap Tap: Here’s Bojangles - Think of That!
by Leo & Diane Dillon, Illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon

Publication Date: Sep 28, 2002
List Price: $17.99
Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
Classification: Fiction
Target Age Group: Picture Book
ISBN13: 9780590478830
Imprint: Scholastic Inc
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Parent Company: Scholastic Inc.


Click for a larger image of Visiting Langston

Visiting Langston
by Willie Perdomo, Illustrated by Bryan Collier

Publication Date: Sep 01, 2005
List Price: $8.99
Format: Paperback, 32 pages
Classification: Fiction
Target Age Group: Picture Book
ISBN13: 9780805078817
Imprint: Square Fish
Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
Parent Company: Holtzbrinck Publishing Group


Click for a larger image of Chill Wind

Chill Wind
by Janet McDonald

Publication Date: Jan 24, 2006
List Price: $8.99
Format: Paperback, 144 pages
Classification: Fiction
Target Age Group: Young Adult
ISBN13: 9780374411831
Imprint: Farrar, Straus and Giroux Books for Younger Readers
Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
Parent Company: Holtzbrinck Publishing Group


Click for a larger image of The Moon Ring

The Moon Ring
by Randy DuBurke

Unknown Binding Unavailable for Sale from AALBC
(Check with Amazon  )


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Publication Date: Feb 26, 2013
List Price: Unavailable
Format: Unknown Binding, 36 pages
Classification: Fiction
Target Age Group: Picture Book
ISBN13: 9781452126777
Imprint: Chronicle Books
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Parent Company: McEvoy Group