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This award is given each year by the American Library Association to a black author for an outstandingly educational and inspirational contribution published during the previous year.
Click on book titles for reviews and purchasing information from Amazon.com.
2006
Copper Sun by Sharon Draper In Copper Sun, 15-year-old Amari’s struggle with the evils of slavery will resonate with today’s teens. Amari is brutally dragged from her home in Africa, forced onto a slave ship and eventually sold as a gift for a plantation owner’s son. Forming an unlikely alliance with an indentured servant and a young slave boy, the threesome escape and set off on a treacherous journey of hope and survival. "You can’t help but be drawn into Amari’s life as you turn the pages," said Coretta Scott King Book Award Jury Chair Darwin L. Henderson. "Amari's spirit and determination will leave readers breathless, even as they gain a deeper understanding of the history of slavery in our country."
2005
Remember: The Journey to School Integration by Toni Morrison
Remember: The Journey to School Integration, published by Houghton Mifflin Company, is Morrison’s first historical work for young people using archival photographs to take the reader on a journey remembering "the narrow path, the open door and the wide road" to integration. "What a treasure! Toni’s powerful words combine the experiences of school integration with simple text and archival photographs," said Award Committee Chair Chrystal Carr Jeter. “In this easy-to-read book, readers are asked to remember and understand the past, present and future of African Americans in society.”
2004
The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
The First Part Last takes place in urban New York City and tells the story of Bobby, a 16-year-old artist and single parent raising his daughter alone. In short alternating chapters between "now" and "then," Bobby struggles to balance the rigors of fatherhood in the absence of Nia, Feather's mother. "Bobby, first introduced in Heaven - another Coretta Scott King Award winner (1999) - tells in a gripping first-person narrative the not-so-rosy realities of teen parenthood," said Award Committee Chair Chrystal Carr Jeter. "Johnson's powerful portrayal of a sensitive and nurturing young man is about a rare, yet realistic, teen dilemma."
2003
Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes
Bronx Masquerade is a fast-paced and revealing novel that features the voices of 18 urban youth who share their innermost feelings in their open-mic poetry presentations. Set in a Bronx high school, Grimes’ characters are developed through short monologues paired with self-revealing poetry. "Grimes boldly offers a glimpse into the heart and suffering of each student, who, like many contemporary youth, struggle to discover their identity," said Award Committee Chair Fran Ware. "The book’s realistic and edgy portrayal of urban youth is hopeful and positive."
2002
The Land by Mildred Taylor
The Land is a poignantly crafted story that chronicles the triumphs and struggles of life for Paul-Edward Logan, son of a white slave owner and an enslaved African-Indian woman. Set in Mississippi during the late 1800s, the book introduces readers to the grandfather of Cassie Logan, the impassioned hero of Taylor's 1976 Newbery Award winner Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. "Taylor offers an ingenious prequel to Roll of Thunder, said Award Committee Chair Fran Ware. The Land unveils the precarious world of Paul-Edward Logan, a black boy who could pass for white, and invites readers into his remarkable and painful journey to manhood."
2001
Miracle's Boys by Jacqueline Woodson
For Lafayette and his brothers, the challenges of growing up in New York City are compounded by the facts that they've lost their parents and it's up to eldest brother Ty'ree to support the boys, and middle brother Charlie has just returned home from a correctional facility. Now, as Lafayette approaches 13, he needs the guidance and answers only his brothers can give him. The events of one dramatic weekend force the boys to make the choice to be there for each other--to really see each other--or to give in to the pain and problems of every day.
2000
Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
An orphaned runaway, Bud copes with the adult world with his numbered "Rules and Things." His few treasures from his former life with "Momma," are kept in a battered suitcase. One, a flyer advertising a musical group, leads him on a fantasy journey to an amazing reality.
1999
Heaven by Angela Johnson
Fourteen year old Marley's seemingly perfect life in the small town of Heaven is disrupted when she discovers that her father and mother are not her biological parents.
1998
Forged by Fire by Sharon Draper
Years after being nearly killed in a fire when his drug-addicted mother neglected him, Gerald is living with his aunt. His mother returns with a new husband and daughter, whom Gerald must protect from parental abuse.
1997
Slam! by Walter Dean Myers
Greg "Slam" Harris can do it all on the basketball court, and is on his way to the top. His grades, aren't so good though, and may keep him from achieving his dream.
1996
Her Stories by Virginia Hamilton
A dramatic collection of 25 tales from the African American storytelling tradition. Each story focuses on the role of women -- real and fantastic -- and their joys, sorrows, and strengths.
1995
The Creation by James Weldon Johnson
A poem based on the creation story from the first book of the Bible.
1994
Toning the Sweep by Angela Johnson
The story of three generations of American American women combines their individual experiences and sets of truths, as they struggle to find common group upon which to share their love, hardships, and friendship.