Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table (CSKBART)

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table honors the legacy of Mrs. Coretta Scott King by promoting distinguished award-winning children's & young adults’ literature by African American authors & illustrators that depict the Black experience.
Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table

About the Awards & CSKBART

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.

CSKBART members administer the process and organize the related ceremonies and events.

A green and white graphic with text, features the words "CSKBART 55 Years" in bold letters.

Join us for the 55th anniversary Celebration of the CSK Book Awards

...and the 2024 Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement goes to ...

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Christopher Paul Curtis headshot

Christopher Paul Curtis

Christopher Paul Curtis is the winner of the Coretta Scott King – Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. The award pays tribute to the quality and magnitude of beloved children’s author Virginia Hamilton. As a historical fiction novelist, Curtis writes in accessible ways for emerging readers to understand the world around them. His novels have received numerous starred reviews awards throughout ALA, like ALSC Notables, Odyssey, and YALSA Best Books for Young Adults. We see his influence all over Black creators today.

There are a number of CSKBART events at annual, including an Awards breakfast, a Chair's Program, a membership meeting, and programming.

Join ALA and add CSKBART. Already a member? Add a prorated CSKBART membership today. Learn more about joining CSKBART.

Watch "A Tribute to Ashley Bryan"

Introduction to the life of Coretta Scott King Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Bryan and his works. Hear shared memories from authors and illustrators: Jason Reynolds, Daniel Minter, Nikki Giovanni, Kwame Alexander, Jan Spivey Gilchrist, and Ashley himself. A project of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table Archives and History Committee.

Staff Contacts

Danielle Ponton
Program Manager for Round Tables
dponton@ala.org

Kevin Strowder
Director, Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services
kstrowder@ala.org