Carole Boston Weatherford wins 2025 Children’s Literature Legacy Award

PHOENIX — Carole Boston Weatherford is the winner of the 2025 Children's Literature Legacy Award honoring an author or illustrator, published in the United States, whose books have made a significant and lasting contribution to literature for children. Her numerous works include "Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre" (Carolrhoda Books, 2021) and "BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom" (Candlewick, 2020).

The award was announced today, during the American Library Association's (ALA) LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience held January 24 – 27 in Phoenix. The award is administered annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of ALA.

"Weatherford's powerful storytelling illuminates forgotten struggles and unsung heroes, inspiring young readers to embrace their heritage and seek justice," said Children's Literature Legacy Award Committee Chair Jason Miles Driver Sr.

Carole Boston Weatherford, born in 1956 in Baltimore, began her literary journey in first grade. With over 50 children's books published, she is renowned for her non-fiction and poetry works that amplify marginalized voices and explore African American history.

Some of Weatherford's award-winning works include "Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre," which won the Coretta Scott King Author Award in 2022, and "BOX: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom," recipient of the Newbery Medal Honor in 2021. In addition, Weatherford has received multiple NAACP Image Awards and Coretta Scott King Honors.

Weatherford's books primarily focus on African American history and culture, using poetry and prose to bring forgotten stories to life. Her work spans from jazz and civil rights to lesser-known historical events, consistently championing diversity and social justice.

Members of the 2025 Children’s Literature Legacy Award Committee are Chair Jason Miles Driver Sr., Kitsap Regional Library, Bremerton, Washington; Jennifer Abler, Oak Lawn Public Library, Illinois; Dr. Jackie Marshall Arnold, University of Dayton, Ohio; Edith Campbell, Indiana State University; and Shelley Marie Diaz, School Library Journal, New Jersey.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America's libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org

About the Association for Library Service to Children

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association, is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 3,300 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for all children through libraries. Visit www.ala.org/alsc. For more information on the Children’s Literature Legacy Award and other ALA literary awards, please visit www.ala.org/yma.