Coretta Scott King Award

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards are given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. The award commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood.

Past Coretta Scott King Awards list

A complete list of the Author, Illustrator, John Steptoe, and Virgina Hamilton winners (and honor books where appropriate). Given to African American authors and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream.

2026 CSK Award Winner - Author

Will's Race for Home

Written by Jewell Parker Rhodes, published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

An adventure story about a son and his father who set out to win land during the Oklahoma Land Rush.

2026 CSK Honors - Author

The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze

Written by Derrick Barnes and published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

A middle grade novel about an accomplished Black boy who strives to be seen as human.

Split the Sky

Written by Marie Arnold and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

In this haunting story about family, legacy, and sacrifice, a young Black girl living in a Texas sundown town must find the courage to stand up for what’s right even when it means facing impossible choices.

The Library in the Woods

Written by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, and published by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

This fictional account is based on a real-life library author Calvin Alexander Ramsey frequented as a child. Ramsey’s heartfelt text, accompanied by stunning illustrations from award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, celebrates family, libraries, and the resourcefulness of the Black community.

2026 CSK Award Winner - Illustrator

The Library in the Woods

Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, written by Calvin Alexander Ramsey, and published by Carolrhoda Books, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

This fictional account is based on a real-life library author Calvin Alexander Ramsey frequented as a child. Ramsey’s heartfelt text, accompanied by stunning illustrations from award-winning artist R. Gregory Christie, celebrates family, libraries, and the resourcefulness of the Black community.

2026 CSK Honors - Illustrator

Andre: Andre Leon Talley - A Fabulously Fashionable Fairy Tale

Illustrated by Lamont O'Neal, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders, and published by Henry Holt and Company, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing Group.

This captivating biography chronicles the remarkable journey of fashion legend André Leon Talley–from humble beginnings in rural North Carolina to the pinnacle of the international world of fashion.

City Summer, Country Summer

Illustrated by Alexis Franklin, written by Kiese Laymon, and publshed by Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.

A lyrical picture book from the award-winning author of Heavy, about three Black boys who form a deep connection during a transformative summer trip down South to visit family.