Call for Student Artists: Celebrate Coretta Scott King Award-Winning Books!

Open Call for Submissions

We are inviting student artists in kindergarten through Grade 12 to submit original artwork inspired by the powerful and inspiring Coretta Scott King Book Award winning and honor books.  Selected works will be printed and displayed at the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast at the American Library Association Annual Conference on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

 

Artwork Guidelines
Submissions should be high-quality images of original student artwork inspired by Coretta Scott King Award-winning books. View the complete list of winners with all details.

 

Artwork can depict:

  • A likeness of the book cover
  • A character from the book
  • A scene or moment from the story

Suggested mediums include (but are not limited to):

  • Paintings
  • Drawings (pencil, pen, colored pencil, etc.)
  • Watercolors
  • Collage or mixed media
  • Digital art

 

Recommended Size

Artwork should be 8.5" x 11" to ensure high-quality reproduction for display.

 

How to Submit
Please upload a clear, high-resolution image of the piece to the Airtable form here.

 

Deadline: May 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm CT

 

Let your creativity shine and help us honor these powerful stories and voices through art!

 

Notice: By submitting artwork, you grant CSKBART permission to display and feature it in both print and online publications, with proper credit given to the student artist.

 

About the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table

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, the Coretta Scott King Book Awards annually recognize outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience.  Further, the Award encourages the artistic expression of the black experience via literature and the graphic arts in biographical, social, and historical treatments by African American authors and illustrators.