The 1996 Coretta Scott King Award

Summary: Fourteen-year-old Gayle, a young mother, is sent from New York to rural Georgia as punishment. Stuck with her cousin Cookie and caring for her great-grandmother, Gayle unravels family secrets that stretch back generations. As she learns about her ancestors, Gayle begins to see her own life and future in a new light. Can these revelations offer her a second chance, or will her past mistakes define her? Discover a tale of unexpected sisterhood and the power of family roots in this gritty, humorous journey of self-discovery.

Summary: Join ten-year-old Kenny and the Watson family on a road trip from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama. As they journey south, they unknowingly approach a turning point in the civil rights movement. Amidst the laughter and challenges, the Watsons face a world-changing event that tests their resilience and unity. Will their bond be enough to navigate the darkness ahead? Discover how humor and family ties can illuminate even the darkest paths.

Summary: On the vibrant island of Martinique, best friends Clement and Hippolyte embark on a perilous journey. Clement seeks to marry Pauline, but her wizard uncle disapproves. As they flee together, dark magic threatens their path. Hippolyte must confront a deadly choice: save his friends or himself. Will loyalty and courage triumph over the supernatural forces that pursue them? This tale of love, friendship, and danger weaves a captivating narrative of sacrifice and bravery.

Summary: Melanin Sun's life is upended when his mother reveals she's in love with a woman, challenging everything he knows. As he grapples with anger and fear, he must confront his own beliefs about family and identity. Can he accept his mother's new relationship, or will it tear them apart? With his friends' opinions looming, Melanin must decide if love can bridge the gap between them.