2011 Discussion Guide
American Library Association
Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table
CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARDS COMMITTEE
Coretta Scott King
Book Awards
American Library Association Ethnic and Multicultural
Information Exchange Round Table
0oretta Scott K|rg Book Awar4s 0o|ttee www.a|a.org/csk
Tis Coretta Scott King Book Awards Discussion Guide is prepared by the 2011
Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee Chair, Chrystal Carr Jeter, and by
members of the 2011 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Jury: Dr. Jonda C. McNair
(Chair), Dr. Lesley Colabucci, Eboni Curry, Dr. Cora Dunkley, Diane Foote,
Debby Gold, and Karen Lemmons.
Te activities and discussion topics are developed to encompass state school
standards. Tese standards equally apply to students from all linguistic and cultural
backgrounds. Students will demonstrate their prociency, skills, and knowledge of
subject matter in accordance with national and state standards. Please refer to the
Web site www.edu.gov for detailed information.
The Coretta Scott King Book Award: A Living Legend
Te Coretta Scott King Book Awards have grown since their conception in the
late 1960s. At a dinner gala of the New Jersey Library Association in May 1970,
Lillie Patterson was honored for her biography, Martin Luther King, Jr.: Man of
Peace. In 1972, the rst Coretta Scott King Book Awards breakfast was held at an
ALA conference site. Ocial aliation with the Social Responsibilities Round
Table (SRRT) came in 1980, and in 1982, the American Library Association
recognized the Coretta Scott King Award as an association award.
During the 2003 ALA Midwinter meeting, the Coretta Scott King Task Force
joined the Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table
(EMIERT). Te aliation with EMIERT gave the group a new name: the
Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee. Success of the committee can be
attributed to the work of tireless volunteers and visionary founders. For a more
complete history, consult: Te Coretta Scott King Awards Book: From Vision to
Reality, edited by Henrietta Smith, American Library Association, 1999; and Te
Coretta Scott King Awards: 19702009, fourth edition, by Henrietta Smith, American
Library Association, 2009.
For more than forty years, books by African American writers and artists have
been honored by receiving the Coretta Scott King Book Award. Tis award
promotes understanding and appreciation of African American culture and the
culture of all peoples. Te award is designed to commemorate the life and works
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her
courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brother-
hood. Te multidimensional characteristics of the authors and illustrators works
reect the African American experience from both the historical and contemporary
perspectives. Opportunities to celebrate the rich and powerful experiences
depicted in these books lie in the hands of the adults in childrens and young
adults lives.
Tis discussion guide is, therefore, dedicated to those teachers, parents, librarians,
booksellers, and caregivers who are committed to enriching the lives of children
and young adults with quality literature. Among their many other functions, book
awards provide a simple means for casual browsers in bookstores, libraries, and
schools to nd material that is engaging, well crafted, and satisfying both
emotionally and intellectually. Te Coretta Scott King Book Awards particularly
introduce the best in African American literature to all children. Te award now
graces dozens of titles, from picture books for the smallest children to novels and
nonction for teenagers. In this guide, we have examined some of these titles
from dierent angles and perspectives.
CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD WINNER, HONOR, AND STEPTOE TITLES
Coretta Scott King Book Award
Author Winner
ONE CRAZY SUMMER
Written by Rita Williams-Garcia
Published by Amistad
An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe
New Talent Author Award
ZORA AND ME
Written by Victoria Bond and T. R. Simon
Published by Candlewick Press
Coretta Scott King Book Award
Author Honor Award
LOCKDOWN
Written by Walter Dean Myers
Published by Amistad
An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Coretta Scott King Book Award
Author Honor Award
NINTH WARD
Written by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
A division of Hachette Book Group
Coretta Scott King Book Award
Author Honor Award
YUMMY: THE LAST DAYS
OF A SOUTHSIDE SHORTY
Written by G. Neri
Illustrated by Randy DuBurke
Published by Lee & Low Books Inc.
Coretta Scott King Book Award
Illustrator Winner
DAVE THE POTTER: ARTIST, POET, SLAVE
Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Written by Laban Carrick Hill
Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
A division of Hachette Book Group
Coretta Scott King Book Award
Illustrator Honor Award
JIMI SOUNDS LIKE A RAINBOW:
A STORY OF THE YOUNG JIMI HENDRIX
Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
Written by Gary Golio
Published by Clarion Books
An imprint of Houghton Mifin Harcourt
Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe
New Talent Illustrator Award
SEEDS OF CHANGE
Illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler
Written by Jen Cullerton Johnson
Published by Lee & Low Books Inc.
CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD AUTHOR WINNER
ONE CRAZY SUMMER
By Rita Williams-Garcia
Amistad, An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Eleven-year-old Delphine travels with her two younger
sisters, Vonetta and Fern, to California to visit their
estranged mother. Its 1968, and this close-knit
threesome of girls spends their days at a summer
camp run by the Black Panthers. Williams-Garcia
delves honestly into this often-overlooked aspect of the
Civil Rights Movement. As a piece of historical ction,
One Crazy Summer oers a perfect balance of family
themes and social issues.
ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
Create a KWL (what you know, what you want to know, what you learned) chart about
the Black Panthers and their role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Develop a statement defending or critiquing Cecile, the girls mother. Find evidence from the
book that suggests she is a Mommy, Mom, or Ma or a statement of fact, as described
by Delphine.
Create a character web for Delphine. List character traits and decide if she is believable
as an eleven-year-old.
Consider developing readers theater scripts to capture each sisters voice.
Choose one option: list (any) other books you know that feature siblings on their own or
make a list of titles that focus on the unique connections among sisters and brothers.
RELATED CSK TITLES
Jazmins Notebook, written by Nikki Grimes,
published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group
Te Rock and the River, written by Kekla Magoon,
published by Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing Division
Te Watsons Go to Birmingham1963, written by Christopher Paul Curtis,
published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House Childrens Books
CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD ILLUSTRATOR WINNER
DAVE THE POTTER: ARTIST, POET, SLAVE
Illustrated by Bryan Collier
Written by Laban Carrick Hill
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, A division of Hachette Book Group
Laban Carrick Hill introduces us to Dave, an artist, poet, and slave,
who lived in South Carolina in the 1800s. While little is known
about him, Dave created extraordinary art under less than ideal
circumstances; art that has stood the test of time. Bryan Collier combines
riveting earth-toned watercolors in shades of gold, amber and
jeweled tones of blue and emerald to perfectly capture the essence of
the earth, the process of his craft, and the loveliness of each of Daves
majestic pots.
ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
Dave was able to see ordinary things (dirt, pots) as amazing opportunities to create art.
Can you think of other art forms that take ordinary objects and transform them into
beautiful things?
Dave sometimes wrote poems on his pots. What are some of your favorite poems? Try
writing a poem of your own.
Bryan Collier uses collage to create his pictures. Make a collage of an ordinary, everyday
subject of your choice using old magazines, newspaper, etc.
A simple alternative to clay is play-dough. See what you can create.
Research African American artists, painters, sculptors (Augusta Savage, Richmond
Barthe, etc).
RELATED CSK TITLES
Ellington Was Not a Street, written by Ntozake Shange, illustrated. by Kadir Nelson,
published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of
Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing Division
In the Time of the Drums, written by Kim L. Siegelson, illustrated by Brian Pinkney,
published by Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Hyperion Books for Children
Soul Looks Back in Wonder, selected and illustrated by Tom Feelings,
published by Dial Books for Young Readers, a division of
Penguin Young Readers Group
CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD AUTHOR HONOR
LOCKDOWN
By Walter Dean Myers
Amistad, An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Myers takes us behind the scenes of the correction sys-
tem, revealing the plight of fourteen-year-old Reese,
who is incarcerated for a nonviolent oense. Te au-
thentic dialogue, complex relationships, and gritty hon-
esty make for a realistic and engaging portrayal. Tis
story invites readers to reect on how both the system
and Reese are implicated in this teenagers unfortunate
circumstance.
ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
Reese is selected to work at an assisted-living center for seniors. Write about a grandparent
or older adult (mentor, neighbor, teacher, etc.) and capture the nature of your relationship.
Research senior citizen resources in your community.
Icy, Reeses sister, writes a letter to him at the detention center that gives him hope for
the future. Write a letter of thanks to a family member, teacher, or clergy person who has
encouraged you.
Reese commits a victimless crime. Tere are those who take the position that there are
no victimless crimes. Would you agree or disagree with this statement? Debate the pros
and cons of this position.
Walter Dean Myers depicts various protagonists who make mistakes and face consequences
much bigger than anticipated. Compare Reese to other main characters in Myerss books.
RELATED CSK TITLES
Yummy: Te Last Days of a Southside Shorty, written by G. Neri,
illustrated by Randy DuBurke, published by Lee & Low Books Inc.
Miracles Boys, written by Jacqueline Woodson,
published by G. P. Putnams Sons, a division of Penguin Books for Young Readers
Monster, written by Walter Dean Myers,
published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD AUTHOR HONOR
NINTH WARD
By Jewell Parker Rhodes
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, A division of Hachette Book Group
Mystical elements are integrated into this realistic ction
portrayal of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.
Lanesha and Mama Ya-Ya, her adopted grandmother,
are both gifted with the ability to see spirits (sight).
Laneshas story of survival extends beyond the storm;
she overcomes the limitation of caul over her eyes, the
loss of her mother at childbirth, and the subsequent
rejection of her by her mothers family. Te various
ways people coped with Katrina are explored, and hor-
rifying details are not spared.
ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
Laneshas experiences during the hurricane are often scary. Using the art form of your
choice, create an image capturing the most frightening scene for you.
Research natural disasters. Make a list of and identify several examples of the ways they
have aected peoples lives. Consider issues of displacement, poverty, and recovery.
Describe the art on the book cover. What does the picture say to you? Where is Lanesha
going? What do you think she is feeling?
Lanesha has a passion for words and a love of math. Compare a list of your favorite words
to Laneshas list. Describe how she uses math in every day life and for survival.
RELATED CSK TITLES
Te Dark Tirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural, written by Patricia C. McKissack,
illustrated by Brian Pinkney, published by Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of Random House
Childrens Books
Brothers in Hope: Te Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan, written by Mary Williams,
illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, published by Lee & Low Books Inc.
Tunder Rose, written by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Kadir Nelson,
published by Harcourt Childrens Books, an imprint of Houghton Miin Harcourt
CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD AUTHOR HONOR
YUMMY: THE LAST DAYS OF A SOUTHSIDE SHORTY
Written by G. Neri
Illustrated by Randy DuBurke
Lee & Low Books Inc.
Compelling and gritty, G. Neris graphic novel tells the story of Robert
Sandifer. Nicknamed Yummy for his love of candy and sugar,
Sandifers childhood was far from sweet. Te 11-year-old participated
in, and ultimately died from, the gang violence in Chicagos Southside
neighborhood of Roseland in 1994. Told from the viewpoint of young
acquaintance Roger, this book ultimately includes the conversations of
an entire nation struggling to come to grips with youth violence.
ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
Find the Time magazine cover and story of Robert Sandifer. Does the information in Time
contradict or coincide with what was described in Yummy?
Some in the community believed Yummy was a bully; others believed he was a victim.
What do you believe? Is it possible he was both? Support your beliefs with examples.
Te story begins with Rogers observations about his neighborhood and its history. Share
observations and knowledge about your neighborhood. Include whatever information you
know about your neighborhood history.
Research youth violence statistics in your community (consult Youth Violence Project,
Department of Justice). Is it a big problem? What do you think might be causing
youth violence?
RELATED CSK TITLES
Lockdown, written by Walter Dean Myers,
published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Miracles Boys, written by Jacqueline Woodson,
published by G. P. Putnams Sons, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group
Monster, written by Walter Dean Myers,
published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARD ILLUSTRATOR HONOR
JIMI SOUNDS LIKE A RAINBOW:
A STORY OF THE YOUNG JIMI HENDRIX
Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
Written by Gary Golio
Clarion Books, An imprint of Houghton Mifin Harcourt
Javaka Steptoe uses layered mixed-media to illustrate Jimi Hendrixs
childhood and musical talent. As colorful and unique as Hendrix
himself, the pictures bring to life the story of a young man who
integrates all that he sees around him into his remarkable music
and art.
ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
Research Jimi Hendrix, his life, and his music.
What music/musicians inuenced Jimi? What type of music did he ( Jimi Hendrix) play?
Research the history of the guitar. What kinds of music do we think of most often when we
think of the guitar?
Create a Jimi Hendrix radio station (Pandora.com, lastfm, etc). Are there any Hendrix songs
you enjoy? What other artists would you recruit to perform on your station?
Which musicians do you believe Jimi Hendrix might enjoy today?
RELATED CSK TITLES
Becoming Billie Holiday, written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illus. by Floyd Cooper,
published by Wordsong, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press, Inc.
Ellington Was Not a Street, written by Ntozake Shange, illus. by Kadir Nelson,
published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers,
an imprint of Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing Division
Jimi and Me, written by Jaime Ado,
published by Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Hyperion Books for Children
Duke Ellington: Te Piano Prince and His Orchestra, Andrea Davis Pinkney,
illus. by Brian Pinkney, published by Hyperion Books for Children
00RE!!A S00!! KIN0/I0HN S!EP!0E NEd !A|EN! AdAR0 AU!H0R dINNER
ZORA AND ME
By Victoria Bond and T. R. Simon
Candlewick Press
ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
Write a biographical sketch of Zora Neale Hurston. Tink about the chronology of her life
from childhood through adulthood and her major accomplishments.
Carrie distinguishes between a daddys girl and a mamas girl. Which one best describes
Zora relationship to her parents? What connections can you make to your own life?
Tink about the Eatonville, Florida that Zora knew. Create a map or illustration of the town
from Zoras perspective. Use www.zoraandme.com for additional guidance.
Visit www.zoraandme.com and select Zoras Workshop. Immerse yourself in Zoras world
by experimenting with corn husk dolls or hot water cornbread in order to have a concrete
experience with the time period.
RELATED CSK TITLES
Carver: A Life in Poems, written by Marilyn Nelson,
published by Front Street, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press, Inc.
My People, written by Langston Hughes, illustrated by Charles R. Smith Jr.,
published by Ginee Seo Books/Atheneum, an imprint of
Simon and Schuster Childrens Publishing Division
Te Negro Speaks of Rivers, written by Langston Hughes, illustrated by E. B. Lewis,
published by Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Hyperion Books for Children
Zora, Carrie, and Terry are best friends in an African
American community in Eatonville, FL during the early
1900s. Carrie, the narrator of the story, is portrayed as a
young Zora Neale Hurstons best friend. Te struggles
of the time are not sugar-coated; the unfairness of the
Jim Crow South is portrayed honestly and realistically,
including the painful ramications of passing for white.
Te real appeal of this piece of historical ction is the
glimpse it provides into the childhood life of Zora Neale
Hurston. Tis is a story of friendship and family with a
ne balance of mystery and history.
00RE!!A S00!! KIN0/I0HN S!EP!0E NEd !A|EN! AdAR0 I||US!RA!0R dINNER
SEEDS OF CHANGE
Illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler
Written by Jen Cullerton Johnson
Lee & Low Books Inc.
Tis inspiring biography depicts the path of a female environ-
mentalist. Wangari Maathai, also known as Mama Miti, founded
the Greenbelt Movement in 1977 in Kenya. She later won the Nobel
Peace Prize for her work. Te scratchboard and oil illustrations
feature dominant white outlines that make for a strikingly stylized
book. Te abundance of green complements the theme of the story.
A scientist and activist, Wangari Maathai overcame persecution
to change the world.
ACTIVITIES AND DISCUSSION TOPICS
Compare this book to other biographies about Wangari Maathai. Create a Venn diagram
comparing the dierent versions. Is the information consistent and accurate across multiple
sources?
Consider other outstanding African-American or female scientists, activists, or world
leadersShirley Ann Jackson, Madame C. J. Walker, etc. Research and write about their
accomplishments and struggles. Select three things that impressed you about their lives;
or highlight other notable rsts. For example, Maathai is considered the rst person to win
the Nobel Peace Prize primarily for environmental work and is the rst African woman to
win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Locate the country of Kenya on a map. What countries surround it and what other
information does the map provide about this area of the world?
What do you think Wangari Maathai meant by the statement, Young people, you are
our hope and our future? Reect on how this might relate to you.
RELATED CSK TITLES
Carver: A Life in Poems, written by Marilyn Nelson,
published by Front Street, an imprint of Boyds Mills Press, Inc.
I Have Heard of a Land, written by Joyce Carol Tomas, illustrated by Floyd Cooper,
published by Joanna Cotler Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters,
written by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Stephen Alcorn, published by Gulliver
Books/Harcourt Childrens Books, an imprint of Houghton Miin Harcourt
My Rows and Piles of Coins, written by Tololwa M. Mollel, illustrated by E. B. Lewis,
published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Miin Harcourt
CORETTA SCOTT KING VIRGINIA HAMILTON
AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT WINNER
ABOUT THE CORETTA SCOTT KING-VIRGINIA HAMILTON AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Te Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement is named in
memory of beloved childrens author Virginia Hamilton. Te award is presented annually
and is presented in odd years to a practitioner for substantial contributions through active
engagement with youth using award winning African American literature for children and/
or young adults, via implementation of reading and reading related activities/programs. Te
recipient may be a public librarian, academic librarian, school librarian (public or private), an
educator (pre K-12 or any level therein, or higher education) or youth literature advocate
whose vocation, work, volunteer service or ongoing promotion of books with and/or on
behalf of youth is signicant and sustained. In even years, the award honors an African
American author, illustrator or author-illustrator for a body of his or her published books for
children or young adults who have made a signicant and lasting literary contribution.
0R. HENRIE!!A M. SMI!H
Dr. Henrietta M. Smith began her career as a
childrens librarian and storyteller in the New York
public library system in 1948. After receiving her
Ed. D. in curriculum and instruction, Smith worked
at Florida Atlantic University for ten years before
becoming the rst African American faculty member
at the University of South Florida, School of
Information. Retiring in 1993, she remains on the
faculty as professor emerita. Dr. Smith has been
active in numerous capacities for the American
Library Association for more than 40 years, having
served on the Coretta Scott King, Newbery,
Caldecott, Batchelder, Wilder and Pura Belpr award
selection committees. She is a recipient of the ALSC
Distinguished Service Award. As part of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee
since its inception, Smith has edited four volumes about the history of the award.
VIRGINIA HAMILTON was an award-winning author of childrens books.
She wrote more than 35 books throughout her career, including
M. C. Higgins, the Great, for which she won the 1975 Newbery
Medal. During her lifetime, Hamilton received numerous awards
including the Coretta Scott King Book Award, the Edgar Allan
Poe Award, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and the Hans
Christian Andersen Award.
THE CORETTA SCOTT KING
BOOK AWARDS SEAL
Te seal was designed by internationally known artist Lev Mills
in 1974. Te symbolism used in designing the seal centers around
Dr. Kings teachings and doctrines, the purpose for which the
Award was founded.
Te basic circle represents continuity in movement, resolving
from one idea to another. Within the circle is the image of a black
child reading a book. Te ve main religious symbols below the
image of the child represent non-sectarianism. Te superimposed
pyramid symbolizes both strength and Atlanta University, where
the Award was headquartered at the time the seal was designed.
At the apex of the pyramid is the dove, symbol of peace, one of
Dr. Kings doctrines. Te rays shine toward peace and brotherhood.
Te Coretta Scott King Book Awards seal image and award name
are solely and exclusively owned by the American Library
Association.
The Coretta Scott King Book Award seal image
and award name are solely and exclusively
owned by the American Library Association.
Featured art 2010 by Bryan Collier from
Dave The Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave, written
by Laban Carrick Hill and published by Little,
Brown Books for Young Readers, a division of
Hachette Book Group
