The Coretta Scott King Award

The Coretta Scott King Book Award, established in 1969 and officially recognized by the American Library Association (ALA) in 1982, honors outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults. Named after Coretta Scott King, the civil rights leader and wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the award celebrates works that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. Its purpose is to recognize literary and artistic excellence while promoting the visibility of Black creators in youth literature. The award is given annually, typically during the ALA's Youth Media Awards ceremony, and includes categories for both author and illustrator, along with occasional recognition through the John Steptoe New Talent Award and the Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award. 

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