Nearly every year since 1876, the American Library Association (ALA) has held the Emmys equivalent for children’s book authors and illustrators, the Recognition Awards, highlighting the most distinguished books published the previous year. Many awards and medals (dating back to the 1960s) are named in honor of a meaningful author or memorable public figure.

One of those esteemed categories is the Coretta Scott King Award, first awarded in 1970. This award reminds us of Coretta’s “courage and determination to continue the work for peace” and is reserved for “African American authors and illustrators (of children’s book) that reflect the African American experience.” (American Library Association). If you’re looking for books by Black creators and centering Black characters this is always a helpful place to start.

2021’s Coretta Scott King Book Award author recipients were:

Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson | Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

All the Days Past, All the Days to Come by Mildred D Taylor | Published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender | published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc

Lifting as We Climb: Black Women’s Battle for the Ballot Box by Evette Dionne | published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

The 2021 Coretta Scott King Book Award solely for illustrated books were:

RESPECT: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Frank Morrison | Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing Division

Magnificent Homespun Brown: A Celebration written by Samara Cole Doyon and illustrated by Kaylani Juanita | Published by Tilbury House Publishers

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera | Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS

Me & Mama written and illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera | Published by Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

This year’s recipient of the Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement , also paying tribute to the children’s author, was Dorothy L. Guthrie, an award-winning retired librarian, district administrator, author and school board member. She’s a respected children’s literature advocate who works to promote and affirm the rich African Americans perspective. Through her initiative titled “Integrating African American Literature in the Library and Classroom,” she has inspired educators through African American literature. Guthrie also founded the first African American museum in her hometown of Gaston County, North Carolina.

Editor’s Message: We wanted to take a moment to celebrate and share these AMAZING creators and works. This is part one of a two-part deep dive into the relationship between children’s book awards and the African American community. In our next piece, we’ll explore the history of diversity within the most popular and sought-after book awards.

African American Authors Honored at the ALA’s 2021 Youth Media Awards