Smith, Henrietta M. et al. . The Coretta Scott King Awards. 1970-2004

Adolescence, Winter, 2004

SMITH, Henrietta M. et al. (Eds.). The Coretta Scott King Awards. 1970-2004 (Third Edition). Chicago: American Library Association, 2004. 176pp. $35.00 (p).

During a conference in 1969, two librarians, Glyndon Flynt Greer and Mabel McKissick, happened to meet at the booth of publisher John Carroll. The trio observed that no African-American author or illustrator had ever been honored by the prestigious Newbery and Caldecott Awards. It was decided that a special award should be developed to bring attention to the fine work produced in books for children and young people--work created by African-American authors and illustrators. In 1970, the first of these awards--The Coretta Scott King Award--was presented to author Lillie Patterson at the New Jersey Library Association meeting. Since then, this award has paid tribute to the best of the best African-American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults. Dedicated to the memory of children's book author Virginia Hamilton, The Coretta Scott King Awards: 1970-2004 celebrates 35 years of African-American contributions to children's literature. This unique volume not only celebrates the award and the African-American community, but is a valuable selection tool and a teaching resource, both in schools for children and in library science programs. This new edition features: comprehensive listings and annotations of all winners of the Coretta Scott King Awards from 1969 to 2004; updated biographies of notable African-American writers and illustrators; a sixteen-page color section features illustrations for award-winning books; and a personal look at what motivates and inspires contributors to African-American literature and art. In-depth indexes help you apply the Coretta Scott King Awards in your school curriculum or public library programming.