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 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 2017
Author Award
March Book Three
by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin, Illustrated by Nate Powell
List Price: $19.99Top Shelf Productions (Aug 02, 2016)
Nonfiction, Paperback, 256 pages
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
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Author Honor
As Brave As You
by Jason Reynolds
- A Top 150 Children’s Book
- 4 Time AALBC.com Bestselling Book!
- Coretta Scott King Award Winning Book 2017
- Kirkus Prize Finalist/Winner 2016
- An NAACP Image Award Honored Book
Atheneum Books for Young Readers (May 03, 2016)
Fiction, Hardcover, 432 pages
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
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Author Honor
Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life
by Ashley Bryan
- A Top 150 Children’s Book
- Coretta Scott King Award Winning Book 2017
- Kirkus Prize Finalist/Winner 2016
- Newbery Medal Winner or Honor 2018
- A New York Times Notable Book for 2016
Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (Sep 13, 2016)
Fiction, Hardcover, 56 pages
Target Age Group: Middle Grade
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Illustrator Award
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
by Javaka Steptoe, Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
List Price: $18.99Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Oct 25, 2016)
Nonfiction, Hardcover, 40 pages
Target Age Group: Picture Book
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Illustrator Honor
Freedom in Congo Square
by Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
1-time National Bestseller, Juvenile Nonfiction
- 1 Time AALBC.com Bestselling Book!
- Coretta Scott King Award Winning Book 2017
- Caldecott Medal Winner or Honor
Little Bee Books (Jan 05, 2016)
Nonfiction, Hardcover, 40 pages
Target Age Group: Picture Book
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Illustrator Honor
In Plain Sight: A Game
by Richard Jackson
List Price: $17.99Roaring Brook Press (Sep 20, 2016)
Fiction, Hardcover, 40 pages
Target Age Group: Picture Book
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John Steptoe Award for New Talent
The Sun Is Also a Star
by Nicola Yoon
List Price: $18.99Delacorte Press (Nov 01, 2016)
Fiction, Hardcover, 384 pages
Target Age Group: Young Adult
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