Coretta Scott King Award · 1984

The 1984 Coretta Scott King Award

Everett Anderson's Goodbye, My Mama Needs Me and The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr. won the 1984 Coretta Scott King Award. Browse them alongside all 4 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

1984 Coretta Scott King Award Winner · Author
Everett Anderson's Goodbye
Sale price
$1049
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1983

Everett Anderson's Goodbye

By Lucille Clifton, Ann Grifalconi (Illustrator)

A boy navigates the stages of grief after losing his father.

Coretta Scott King Award (1984)
32 pages· 195 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 224 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Everett Anderson faces the unimaginable: his father's death. As he grapples with denial, anger, and depression, Everett's journey through grief unfolds. Will he find acceptance and peace? Discover his emotional path in this poignant tale.
1984 Coretta Scott King Award Winner · Illustrator
My Mama Needs Me
Sale price
$1520
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1984

My Mama Needs Me

A boy waits at home, hoping to be needed.

32 pages· 919 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
3.8/5 Goodreads · 51 ratings
$16.00Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Jason, feeling sidelined by his new baby sister's arrival, chooses to stay home, yearning for a moment when his mother or sister might need him. As he watches the dynamics of his family shift, Jason grapples with his place in this new world. Will he find the connection he seeks, or will he remain on the sidelines? Dive into Jason's journey of self-discovery and family bonds.
1984 Coretta Scott King Award Winner · Special Citation
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 1984

The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Explore timeless wisdom on justice, freedom, and peace from a civil rights icon.

128 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 459 ratings
$15.95Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into the powerful legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through over 120 poignant quotes. Curated by Coretta Scott King, this collection illuminates his enduring vision for a just and peaceful world. Discover insights on community, civil rights, and nonviolence that continue to inspire change. How do these words resonate today, and what actions will they spark in you?
1984 Honor Books
Chapter Book · Ages 11–+ · 1983

The Magical Adventures of Pretty Pearl

A god child descends to Earth, confronting human suffering and testing her powers.

320 pages· 72,769 words· Est. 8 hour read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 65 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Pretty Pearl, a god child from Africa, descends to Earth with her brother, John de Conquer, to witness human suffering firsthand. Armed with a magical necklace and a warning about humanity's tricky nature, she faces the challenge of alleviating the sorrow of enslaved people. As she navigates this new world, will her divine powers be enough to bring hope and change? This tale weaves black legend, myth, and folklore into a rich tapestry of mystery and resilience, exploring the depths of the human spirit.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 1983

Lena Horne

A singer battles industry prejudice and political blacklists.

160 pages
3.8/5 Goodreads · 19 ratings
$13.95Save 3%
Hardcover
Summary: From a challenging childhood to the spotlight of Harlem's Cotton Club, a determined singer faces the film industry's prejudice and political blacklists. Will her resilience lead to triumph?
Chapter Book · 1983

Because We Are

A student faces unexpected challenges at a new school.

192 pages
3.4/5 Goodreads · 7 ratings
$10.25Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Emma, a black honor student, is thrust into a segregated school after a misunderstanding with her teacher. As she navigates this new environment, she confronts unforeseen challenges that test her resilience and redefine her path. Will Emma find her place and rise above the obstacles, or will the weight of prejudice hold her back? Dive into a story of courage and transformation in the face of adversity.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 1983

Bright Shadow

A father struggles with his daughter's journey to independence.

128 pages· 29,274 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
3.3/5 Goodreads · 12 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Strong Jackson faces a heart-wrenching challenge as his daughter, Abysinia, prepares to leave for college to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. As he grapples with the reality of her growing independence, Strong must confront his own fears and insecurities. Will he learn to let go and support her ambitions, or will his reluctance create a rift between them? This poignant tale explores the complexities of parental love and the bittersweet nature of watching a child step into adulthood.
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