Coretta Scott King Award · 1988

The 1988 Coretta Scott King Award

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters and The Friendship won the 1988 Coretta Scott King Award. Browse them alongside all 4 honor books, with ages and reading levels for each.

1988 Coretta Scott King Award Winner · Illustrator
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1987

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

By John Steptoe · Book #44 in the Reading Rainbow series

Two sisters vie for a king's heart, but only one can be queen. Who will he choose?

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1987)Coretta Scott King Award (1988)Caldecott Honor (1988)
32 pages· 1,596 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 21,106 ratings
Hardcover
Summary: In a land where beauty and worth are prized, Mufaro's daughters, Nyasha and Manyara, are summoned by the king seeking a bride. Nyasha's kindness contrasts with Manyara's ambition, setting the stage for a royal decision. As the sisters journey to the king, their true natures are revealed. Will the king see beyond appearances to choose the right queen? This tale, rich with African culture and moral lessons, explores themes of pride, virtue, and destiny. Discover who will win the king's heart and the crown in this timeless fable.
1988 Coretta Scott King Award Winner · Author
The Friendship
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 10–+ · 1987

The Friendship

By Mildred D. Taylor, Max Ginsburg (Illustrator) · Logan Family Saga series

In 1933 Mississippi, a daring act defies racial norms. Can history change the present?

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1988)Coretta Scott King Award (1988)
80 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,604 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1933 Mississippi, Cassie Logan and her brothers are warned to avoid the Wallace store. Yet, they witness Mr. Tom Bee, an elderly black man, boldly addressing the white storekeeper by his first name. This defiance of racial norms raises questions about the power of shared history. Can past connections alter the present's harsh realities? As tensions simmer, Cassie must navigate a world where courage and danger walk hand in hand. Discover the impact of one man's audacity in a time when some things just aren't done.
1988 Honor Books
The Tales of Uncle Remus
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1987

The Tales of Uncle Remus

By Julius Lester, Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator)

Brer Rabbit outsmarts foes with wit and humor.

Coretta Scott King Honor (1988)
143 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 878 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Brer Rabbit, the clever trickster, navigates a world of cunning adversaries like Brer Fox and Mr. Man. Each tale unfolds with humor and wit, revealing lessons hidden in his mischievous escapades. Will his cleverness always prevail, or will he meet his match? Dive into these timeless stories where every adventure is a test of wits and wisdom.
An Enchanted Hair Tale
Sale price
$470
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1987

An Enchanted Hair Tale

By Alexis De Veaux, Cheryl Hanna (Illustrator) · Reading Rainbow series

A boy's unusual hair leads him to a magical discovery.

Coretta Scott King Honor (1988)
38 pages· 635 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.5/5 Goodreads · 34 ratings
$4.95Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Sudan's hair is wild, enchanted, and full of surprises, much like his mother's. It giggles, roars, and even sprouts wings, drawing both ridicule and fear from others. But when Sudan stumbles upon a magical place, he finds the freedom to embrace his unique gift. Will this enchanted realm help him accept himself, or will it reveal even more mysteries about his extraordinary hair?
The Invisible Hunters / Los Cazadores Invisibles
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1997

The Invisible Hunters / Los Cazadores Invisibles

By Harriet Rohmer, Joe Sam (Illustrator) · Stories from Central America / Cuentos de Centroamérica series

Three brothers' magical power is threatened when they break a promise to protect their land.

Coretta Scott King Honor (1988)
32 pages· 1,334 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
3.6/5 Goodreads · 17 ratings
$9.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a remote village, three brothers discover a vine granting them invisibility, with a vow to hunt only with sticks and never sell their catch. When European traders tempt them to break their promise, the brothers face unforeseen consequences. Will they remember the true cost of their power before it's too late? This tale explores the delicate balance between tradition and temptation, urging us to cherish our environment and community.
What a Morning!
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1987

What a Morning!

By John Langstaff, Ashley Bryan (Illustrator)

Discover the Nativity through enchanting spirituals and vibrant illustrations.

Coretta Scott King Honor (1988)
32 pages
3.9/5 Goodreads · 30 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Journey through the Nativity with five captivating spirituals, each brought to life by vivid illustrations of humans, animals, and celestial beings. This collection invites young readers to sing along with simple arrangements for piano and guitar, making it a perfect blend of music and storytelling. Will the melodies reveal new wonders of the age-old tale?
← 19871989 →
Every year

Coretta Scott King Award Winners by Year

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo

© 2026 Bookroo
Terms of ServicePrivacy Policy