Children's book award · 1970–2026

Coretta Scott King Award Books

Designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards annually recognize outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience. Further, the Award encourages the artistic expression of the black experience via literature and the graphic arts in biographical, social, and historical treatments by African American authors and illustrators.

*Information from: http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/coretta-scott-king-book-awards

Series

The most recent cycle

The 2026 Coretta Scott King Award

2026 Coretta Scott King Award Winner · Author

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Will's Race for Home

By Jewell Parker Rhodes

A father and son race for land and freedom in a perilous journey during the Oklahoma Land Rush.

Coretta Scott King Award (2026)

208 pages· 25,989 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,530 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1889, Will and his father embark on a treacherous journey from Texas to Oklahoma, driven by the promise of land and freedom. Amidst brutal terrain and dangerous bandits, they encounter Caesar, a mysterious soldier whose presence brings unexpected challenges. As they race against thousands in the Oklahoma Land Rush, the stakes are high: land ownership and a place to call home. Can their determination overcome the perils that lie ahead?

2026 Coretta Scott King Award Winner · Author and Illustrator

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 7–11

Library in the Woods

By Calvin Alexander Ramsey, R Gregory Christie (Illustrator)

Coretta Scott King Award (2026)

32 pages· 1,091 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.4/5 Goodreads · 421 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

2026 Honor Books

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2025

Split the Sky

By Marie Arnold

A girl must choose between saving one life or sparking change in a divided town.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2026)

304 pages· 61,016 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 172 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a tense Texas town, Lala, a young cellist with the gift of foresight, foresees a tragedy—a Black boy's death. As racial tensions rise, she faces a harrowing choice: intervene to save him or let events unfold, potentially igniting transformative change. With her grandmother's visions complicating matters, Lala must decide whose life to prioritize. Can she sacrifice one to save many, or will she defy fate to protect the innocent? As protests loom, Lala's decision could alter the course of history. What will she choose?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 2025

The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze

By Derrick Barnes

A young athlete's stand against injustice divides his town, challenging his future and identity.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2026)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2026)

272 pages· 59,849 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 569 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In Great Mountain, Mississippi, Henson Blayze, a 13-year-old football prodigy, faces a life-altering choice. After a shocking event, he questions his role in a town that values him only for his talent. As the community splits over his decision to speak out, Henson must decide if he will continue to entertain those who may not see him as human or pursue a different path. This powerful tale explores race, identity, and the struggle for justice, revealing how much—and how little—has changed over time.

Sale price

$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2025

André

By Carole Boston Weatherford, Rob Sanders, Lamont O'Neal (Illustrator)

From rural roots to fashion icon, one man's journey defies the odds.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2026)

56 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 144 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In the Jim Crow South, young André Leon Talley dreams beyond his humble beginnings. Escaping into the glossy pages of fashion magazines, he falls for elegance and style, despite judgment and bullying. Against all odds, André crafts his own fashion fairytale, rising to become a global icon. Discover his inspiring journey from rural North Carolina to the heights of the fashion world, where his legacy shines brightly. Will his story inspire the next generation of dreamers?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2025

City Summer, Country Summer

By Kiese Laymon, Alexis Franklin (Illustrator)

Three boys discover deep friendship during a transformative summer in the South.

Coretta Scott King Honor (2026)

32 pages· 839 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 276 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a transformative summer, three Black boys journey to the South, where laughter and exploration in Mississippi's woods forge a bond that transcends their differences. Under the watchful eyes of Grandmama and Mama Lara, they navigate the joys and challenges of friendship, playing games and sharing secrets. As they sled on cardboard and play marco polo, their camaraderie grows, revealing the unspoken connections that unite them. This lyrical tale captures the essence of a summer that changes everything, highlighting the tender ties of friendship and the freedom found in shared adventures.

Every year

Coretta Scott King Award Winners by Year

The honorees

Books Recognized by the Coretta Scott King Award

Sale price

$1799

Will's Race for Home

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

A father and son race for land and freedom in a perilous journey during the Oklahoma Land Rush.

Sale price

$1999

Twenty-four Seconds from Now...

Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2024

A teen boy faces jitters as he prepares for a pivotal moment in his relationship.

Sale price

$1899

My Daddy Is a Cowboy

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

A girl discovers her inner cowboy during a dawn ride with her father.

Series

Sale price

$1799

Black Star

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

A young pitcher faces a pivotal choice amid racial tensions in her town.

Sale price

$1899

One Big Open Sky

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

A perilous journey west tests three women's quest for freedom and survival against poverty and patriarchal constraints.

Sale price

$1899

Go Forth and Tell

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2024

A librarian's quest to amplify Black voices transforms storytelling forever.

Sale price

$1899

An American Story

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

A teacher unveils the haunting history of slavery, igniting a journey of understanding and resilience.

Sale price

$1999

Big

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

A girl navigates growing up and learning to accept herself.

Sale price

$1899

How Do You Spell Unfair?

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2023

A young spelling champion faces prejudice at a national competition, challenging her determination and spirit.

Sale price

$2199

Holding Her Own

Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2023

A trailblazing cartoonist balances joy and truth amid civil rights struggles.

Sale price

$1899

There Was a Party for Langston

Chapter Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Celebrate a legendary wordsmith whose legacy inspired a literary revolution.

Sale price

$1699

Freewater

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2022

Two siblings escape slavery, finding refuge in a hidden community threatened by outside dangers.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2295

Victory. Stand!

Chapter Book · Ages 13–17 · 2022

An Olympic protest sparks a lifelong fight against racial injustice.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

Swim Team

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2022

Can Bree conquer her fear of water to save her school's swim team?

Sale price

$1799

Unspeakable

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

A thriving community faces devastation in a forgotten tragedy of racial violence.

Sale price

$1899

Nina

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young musician's voice transforms into a powerful protest against racial inequality.

Sale price

$1999

The People Remember

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

Discover the journey of African descendants through Kwanzaa's principles.

Sale price

$1799

Soul Food Sunday

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

A boy learns family secrets in the kitchen, transforming a Sunday meal into a cherished tradition.

Sale price

$1799

Before the Ever After

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2020

A son's hero father forgets his name. Can they reclaim their past?

Sale price

$1899

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Discover Aretha Franklin's journey from church singer to civil rights icon.

Sale price

$1899

Me & Mama

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

A rainy day reveals the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.

Sale price

$1695

Magnificent Homespun Brown

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2020

Young voices celebrate the joy of embracing one's own skin.

Sale price

$1899

Exquisite

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

Discover the poetic journey of Gwendolyn Brooks, the first Black Pulitzer Prize winner.

Sale price

$1799

King and the Dragonflies

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

A boy's grief and a missing friend lead to secrets and self-discovery by the bayou.

Coretta Scott King Award Books

The 2026 Coretta Scott King Award

Coretta Scott King Award Winners by Year

Books Recognized by the Coretta Scott King Award

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo