Coretta Scott King Book Awards

Awarded by:  The ALA for Outstanding African American author and illustrator published in the U.S.

Aston Hutts, Diana (2008).  The Moon Over Star.  New York, New York: Dial Books for Young

            Readers.

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book 2009

Genre:  Historic Fiction Picture Book

Young Mae recalls the summer of 1969 when the first astronaut landed on the moon.  The idea that people could be on the moon opens up a world of dreams and possibilities for her with support from her grandfather.  The detailed watercolor illustrations by Jerry Pinkney relate both the story of the astronauts and of Mae in turn.  This book will be a memorable one for readers.  Many children have never learned of the moon landing or its significance.  Additionally, children need the reminder to dream big and to stretch their imaginations.

Hughes, Langston (2009).  My People.  New York, New York:  Atheneum Books for Young

            Readers.

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award 2010

The 33 word poem by Langston Hughes was originally published in 1923 and meant to honor black people that were not acknowledged much at that time in society.  The acclaimed poet and photographer Charles R. Smith Jr. decided to add sepia photos of black people from all ages and backgrounds to this timeless poem.  The result is a beautiful celebration!  This book would be a great one to share with children at any time.  The faces of these people are very expressive and much discussion can result over what they see.  It would be very affirming to a black child to see a book celebrating others like themselves.  It would be very important for children from other races to see the similarities between themselves and the photos.  We are all here together on this earth.

Hill, Laban Carrick (2010).  Dave the Potter. Artist, Poet, Slave.  New York, New York:  Little   Brown and Co.

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award 2011

Genre:  Biographical picture book

This story relates the unusual life of a slave named Dave in the early to mid 1800s.  His life was unusual because he had an amazing skill in pottery and he could also read and write.  No one knows how he learned either one.  It was feared that if slaves learned a trade or learned to read, they might demand freedom or revolt.  This book, beautifully illustrated by Bryan Collier, depicts Dave making a pot from beginning to end.  He would sign his pots with little poems or thoughts.  It is because of this that we know he existed.  Many of his pots have lasted to this day.  While very young children would not grasp the full significance of his story, they can appreciate the making of these amazing pots and all the work it took.  Older readers will be able to grasp how truly amazing this man was considering the time in which he lived.

Other Awards:  2011 Caldecott Honor Book