Coretta Scott King Award · 1981

The 1981 Coretta Scott King Award

This Life and Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum won the 1981 Coretta Scott King Award. Browse them alongside all 3 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

1981 Coretta Scott King Award Winner · Author
This Life
Sale price
$1348
Chapter Book · 1980

This Life

By Sidney Poitier

A journey from the Bahamas to Hollywood's spotlight.

Coretta Scott King Award (1981)
374 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 196 ratings
$13.95Save 3%
Hardcover
Summary: Follow the inspiring journey of a Black actor from his humble beginnings in the Bahamas to the bustling streets of New York. Experience his personal and professional highs and lows, including a complex relationship with Diahann Carroll and a celebrated film career. What challenges did he overcome to become an icon in Hollywood? Discover the untold stories behind the fame and the man who defied the odds to leave a lasting legacy.
1981 Coretta Scott King Award Winner · Illustrator
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1980

Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum

Discover five enchanting Nigerian folktales filled with rhythm and wisdom.

80 pages· 9,440 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.3/5 Goodreads · 271 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into a world of rhythm and wisdom with five Nigerian folktales. Meet a monkey with a musical speech and two young friends—a snake and a frog—challenged by their mothers' prejudices. Each tale, brought to life with striking woodcut illustrations, offers a unique blend of humor and poignant lessons. Will friendship triumph over fear? Explore these enchanting stories to find out.
1981 Honor Books
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 1980

Don't Explain

A jazz singer battles loneliness, racism, and addiction.

151 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 15 ratings
$13.89Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Dive into the tumultuous life of a legendary jazz singer as she navigates the highs of fame and the lows of personal demons. Her haunting voice captivates the world, but behind the scenes, she fights against loneliness, racism, and addiction. Will her passion for music be enough to overcome the shadows that threaten to consume her? Experience the rhythm and blues of a life lived on the edge, where every note tells a story of struggle and resilience.
Chapter Book · 2020

Count on Your Fingers African Style

Discover how practical math bridges language gaps in Kenyan trade.

32 pages· 1,049 words
2.7/5 Goodreads · 9 ratings
$12.89Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the vibrant culture and economy of Kenya, where locals ingeniously use practical mathematics to navigate language barriers and conduct business. How do these mathematical strategies shape their daily lives and trade practices? Uncover the surprising ways numbers become a universal language in this insightful journey through Kenyan markets and communities.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1980

Grandmama's Joy

A child seeks to lift her grandmother's spirits amidst an impending move.

32 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 30 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Rhondy faces a challenge when her grandmother becomes despondent over their impending move. Despite songs, dances, and gifts, nothing seems to lift Grandmama's spirits. Rhondy must find a way to remind her of the joy they share, proving that sometimes a child's resourcefulness can outshine an adult's despair. Can Rhondy rekindle the happiness they once knew and reassure Grandmama that their bond is unbreakable, no matter where they live?
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