Coretta Scott King Award Winners

The Coretta Scott King Award is given to celebrate African-American Authors and Illustrators for their exceptional work with children and young adult literature.

Ellington Was Not a Street is written by Ntozake Shange and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. This children's non-fiction book was awarded the Coretta Scott King Award in 2005 for it's illustrations. This historical book is about a girl growing up with famous figures from the Harlem Rennaisance. It has full page illustrations illustrations with warm colors and characters filled with emotion. Kadir is passionate about his work and has been an artist all of his life.

Moses is written by Carol Weatherford and illustrated by Kadir Nelson. This children's picture book is an inspiring story about how Harriet Tubmn obtained her freedom and went on to help others become free from slavery as well. This book won the Coretta Scott King Award for it's illustrations in 2007. This book, like the first, has full page illustrations painted with rich colors that remind me of fall. The people illustrated in this picture book are so detailed that you can really glimpse the tenacity that Harriet must have had to accomplish her goals.

Not only did The First Part Last win a Coretta Scott King Award, but it also won the Printz award in 2004 as well. Angela Johnson is the author for this young adult novel and is a three-time Coretta Scott King Award Winner. In this book Bobby is a 16 year old high school student who evaluates his life now as well as before his daughter, Feather, was born. Throughout the book, the reader is aware that Bobby is a single parent, but the reader doesn't find out why until the past and the present come together in the final pages of this tear jerker. This book provides a unique perspective on teen parents as the main character is both a young man and a devoted father. He of course yearns to be responsibility free again, but he also works hard to fulfill his parental duties while also staying in school. This book is a quick read that is sure to touch your heart.