Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table (CSKBART)
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.
Women's History Month Poster
Featured: Celebrating WHM | Book Donation Grant | Call for Student Artists
Join the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Round Table as we celebrate the life and legacy of Virginia Hamilton—read an award-winning title from the list on the back each day in March!
The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee believes children’s lives must be saturated with books and reading opportunities. Deadline: March 15, 2026 11:59pm CT.
We invite K-12 student artists to submit original artwork inspired by the powerful, inspiring Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning books. Selected works will be printed and displayed at the 2026 Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast in Chicago.
2026 CSKBART Award Recipients
2026 Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Acheivement Award Recipient
Kadir Nelson is best known for his work in children’s literature, having authored and/or illustrated more than 30 picture books published globally in multiple languages is the 2026 Virginia Hamilton for Lifetime Achievement Recipient.
2026 Winners Image Gallery
2026 Author Winner - Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes
2026 Illustrator Winner -R. Gregory Christie and 2026 Author Honor Calvin Alexander Ramsey
2026 Illustrator Honor - Lamont O'Neal
Author Honor - Marie Arnold
2026 John Steptoe New Talent Author - Arriel Vinson
2026 Author Honor - Derrick Barnes
2026 Illustration Honor - Alexis Franklin
