The 2011 Coretta Scott King Award

Summary: Meet Jimmy, a boy with a broomstick guitar and a dream to create music like no other. As he grows, he asks: Can sound paint pictures? Follow his journey from imaginative child to Jimi Hendrix, the revolutionary artist who redefined rock 'n' roll. Discover how his unique vision and relentless passion shaped a legacy that still resonates today. Will his dream of painting with sound become reality?

Summary: In New Orleans' Ninth Ward, twelve-year-old Lanesha, gifted with the ability to see spirits, must confront the impending devastation of Hurricane Katrina. With her adopted grandmother, Mama Ya-Ya, who foresees the storm's wrath, Lanesha must summon courage and resilience to survive. As the hurricane looms, their bond and the strength of their community are tested. Will Lanesha's unique gifts and Mama Ya-Ya's wisdom be enough to weather the storm? This tale of survival and hope explores the power of love and the unyielding spirit of a young girl in the face of nature's fury.

Summary: Roger, an eleven-year-old, grapples with the haunting death of his classmate, Yummy, a boy caught in the web of gang violence. As Roger delves into Yummy's life, he uncovers unsettling truths and questions his own moral compass. Was Yummy a victim or a villain? With his brother's gang connections looming, Roger must navigate a world where innocence and guilt blur. This gripping tale, set in 1994 Chicago, challenges readers to confront the complexities of right and wrong in a world where choices can be deadly.

Summary: Reese Anderson, trapped in a juvenile facility, yearns for freedom. His chance comes with a work program at a senior home, but a difficult resident, Mr. Hooft, challenges him. As Reese struggles to prove he's more than a criminal, his loyalty is tested when his friend Toon faces gang threats. Will Reese risk his early release to do what's right, or will he find a new path to redemption? In a world where survival means more than just getting out, Reese must decide who he truly is.