The 2025 Coretta Scott King Award

Summary: Twelve-year-old Charley Cuffey dreams of breaking barriers as the first female professional pitcher. In a segregated Southern town, her ambitions clash with harsh realities. Inspired by her grandfather's tales of courage, Charley challenges a bully at a church picnic, leading to unforeseen consequences. As tensions rise, Charley must confront her history and the truth her parents shielded her from. Will her determination be enough to navigate the turbulent era of segregation and the Great Migration? Discover a story of resilience and the power of dreams in this gripping second installment of the Door of No Return trilogy.

Summary: In a powerful collection of poems, a young Black girl navigates the intersections of race, class, and gender. Through vivid recollections and heartfelt odes, she celebrates the strength and sisterhood of Black women. As she reflects on her childhood in Portland, she calls on Black girls to embrace their power and future. With vibrant art enhancing each page, this collection is both a guide and a celebration, inviting readers to explore the beauty and resilience of Black girlhood.

Summary: Discover Coretta Scott King's inspiring journey from a segregated South to becoming a global icon for peace and justice. As the wife of Martin Luther King Jr., she founded the King Center and championed civil rights. This story reveals her resilience and bravery in the face of adversity, highlighting her pivotal role in shaping a legacy of nonviolent change. How did she transform personal challenges into a powerful movement for equality? Uncover the heart of a woman who stood at the forefront of social change, driven by an unwavering commitment to justice and peace.

Summary: In 1879 Mississippi, Lettie, her mother Sylvia, and teacher Philomena embark on a treacherous wagon journey to Nebraska, seeking freedom and independence. Promised a new life by Lettie's father, Thomas, they face the harsh realities of limited supplies and his overbearing control. As they navigate the dangers of the trail, these women must confront the challenges of poverty and societal constraints. Will they find the freedom they seek, or will the journey cost them everything? This verse novel explores the resilience and determination of those striving for self-emancipation in the face of overwhelming odds.

Summary: Augusta Braxton Baker, a pioneering librarian, discovers a lack of respectful Black representation in children's books. Her mission to change this inspires future literary icons. Can stories reshape the world?