Coretta Scott King Award Winners

 

Andrews, T & Collier, B. (2015). Trombone Shorty. Abrams Books for Young Readers. 

This true story is about a musician named Troy Andrews nicknamed Trombone Shorty.  Troy grew up in New Orleans in the Treme neighborhood where music is a big part of everyday life.  When Troy was young he found an old trombone double his size and starts a band with his friends.  During a performance by Bo Diddley Troy gets pulled up on stage and plays with the music legend.  He then plays in a band with his brother and ultimately tours the world with his own band Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.  In the back of this book is an author's note to give you more information about Troy and how he came to be Trombone Shorty.  The illustrations are bright and colorful mixed media collage which adds to the excitement of the New Orleans setting.  This book could be used to teach about culture and diversity as well as famous musicians.  This could also be used to teach about perseverance and never giving up on your dreams.

2016 Coretta Scott King Illustrator Winner

Other books by Troy Andrews include: The 5 O’Clock Band.

McKissack, P. (2001). Goin’ Someplace Special. Aladdin.

This beautifully written story is about a little girl named ‘Tricia Ann who embarks on her journey to someplace special. This story is set in the south in the 1950’s when Jim Crow laws were still in effect. As ‘Tricia Ann journeys through the city she encounters many Jim Crow laws that both upset and infuriate her. All along the way she remembers the words of her grandmother reassuring her that she is someone and to hold her head up high. Eventually she makes it to her “someplace special” which is the public library and on the building is etched “all are welcome”. This is the one place where ‘Tricia Ann feels safe and welcome outside of her community. This book could be used to teach about historical events as well as self-esteem and that everyone matters.

2002 Coretta Scott King Award Illustrator Winner
Other books by Patricia McKissack include: The Dark-Thirty and Mirandy and Brother Wind.

Flournoy, V. (1985). The Patchwork Quilt. Dial Books.

In this story a little girl named Tanya loves spending time with her grandmother and listening to her stories. One day her grandmother decides that she is going to make a new quilt. She then collects scraps from each family member which serves as a memory. As Tanya’s mother and grandmother are working on the quilt her grandmother becomes ill and is no longer able to work on it. Tanya takes it upon herself to get the quilt finished for her grandmother. Her mother and her brothers all chip in and eventually her grandmother is well enough to finish the quilt. The beautifully drawn illustrations give the reader a peek into this family's home and add life to the story. This book could be used to teach about families and passing down stories from generation to generation. A wonderful story, perfect for any library.

1986 Coretta Scott King Award Winner
Other books by Valerie Flournoy include: The Best Time of Day and The Twins Strike Back.

Nyong’o, L. (2019). Sulwe. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

This book is a lesson in loving ourselves as we are.  In this story a little girl named Sulwe struggles to feel like she fits in because her skin is darker than anyone else in her family.  At school she is teased about her dark skin and feels lonely and rejected.  One night she takes a ride on a star and learns the story of two sisters night and day.  While on this journey Sulwe learns to love and appreciate her beautiful skin and the light that comes from within.  The illustrations are bright and beautifully done.  This story could be used to teach self-esteem and self-acceptance.  

2020 Coretta Scott King Award Honor

Hill, L. (2013). When the Beat Was Born. Roaring Brook Press.

This true story tells about how Clive Campbell becomes DJ Kool Herc. Clive is born in Jamaica and as a child sees the DJ’s in Jamaica and how they play. He takes this knowledge with him when he moves to New York City and the Bronx neighborhood. There he attends a party and discovers a new way of playing music with longer breaks for dancing. This is when the beat is born and he calls himself DJ Kool Herc. His music inspires a whole generation of music and defines a culture of hip hop. Also included in this book is an author's note with more information on the history of hip hop including timelines and other resources.

2014 Coretta Scott King Award for New Talent
Other books by Laban Hill include: Harlem Stomp!, Dave the Potter, and Casa Azul: An Encounter with Frida Kahlo.