The 2024 Coretta Scott King Award

Summary: In a world that values smallness, a child embarks on a journey to embrace their own size and uniqueness. Through the power of words, they discover how to heal from hurt and find joy in standing out. This tender tale explores the duality of feeling both visible and invisible, offering a heartfelt message about self-acceptance and the beauty of being different. Will they find the courage to love themselves as they are?

Summary: Join the vibrant celebration of Langston Hughes, the King of Letters, whose words sparked a literary movement. At a lively party in Harlem, luminaries like Maya Angelou and Amiri Baraka gather to honor his legacy. Feel the rhythm of his influence as poets and writers pay tribute, dancing and reciting in a joyous homage. Discover how Hughes's powerful words continue to inspire generations, igniting creativity and breaking barriers. What stories will his word-children tell next? Experience the magic of a literary giant whose heart beats through the pages of history.

Summary: Jackie Ormes, the first nationally syndicated Black woman cartoonist, faces a profound challenge. In post-WWII America, she must balance her joyful artistry with the harsh truths of racial inequality. As a journalist, fashionista, and activist, Jackie uses her talents to inspire hope while confronting societal injustices. Can her cartoons remain a beacon of joy without compromising the fight for civil rights? This evocative biography explores her legacy and the enduring impact of her work on future generations of illustrators and cartoonists.

Summary: In 1936, young MacNolia Cox, a spelling prodigy, breaks barriers as the first African American to win her local bee and compete nationally. Her journey to Washington, DC, is celebrated, but the harsh reality of segregation awaits. As she faces discrimination on the train, in hotels, and at the competition itself, MacNolia's resolve is tested. Will her determination overcome the prejudice she encounters? This poignant tale of courage and resilience highlights a pivotal moment in history, inviting readers to reflect on the challenges of breaking new ground in a divided world.

Summary: Explore a Black family's journey from enslavement to freedom through powerful poems and illustrations. Carole and Jeffery Weatherford delve into their ancestors' untold stories, tracing their roots back to Maryland's founders. As they piece together their lineage, they reveal voices from the past, including Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, and connect them to a modern-day pilgrimage to Africa. This poignant narrative of loss, erasure, and reclamation resonates with countless Black families in America, offering a deeply personal yet universal tale of identity and heritage.