Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

Hughes, L., & Smith, J. (1994). My people. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Genre: Fiction - Poetry

Smith used photos of black people to illustrate Langston Hughes’ poem “My People.” They are young, old, middle-aged, light-skinned, dark-skinned, and every other variation of “black.” It is a celebration of “my people.”

I think that young children will be drawn to the relevance of REAL people in these photographs. For African-American children, this book shows people who look like them and their family members.

This book is best shared with a small group since the illustrations are large but darker toned. It would also be nice to share with young African-American children, either in small groups or individually, to strengthen self-concept and self-realization.

Depending on the age of the student, it would be interesting for children to draw and/or photograph their own family members to extend the book and make it even more relevant. 

Myers, C. (1999). Black cat. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Genre: Fiction - Poetry

Mixed-media illustrations and rhythmic poetry create a memorable jaunt through New York City in a cat’s perspective.

The collage and realistic views of city life appeal to children who have been to New York or would like to go there. The perspective is unique, too.

This book could be used in story time as a poetry read-aloud.

With upper elementary students, I would extend this book by having groups create poems about our school and illustrate them with photos taken inside and outside the school building. 

Rappaport, D. Martin\'s big words. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc., 2001. Print.
Genre: Non-fiction - Biography
Collages, quotes in large text, and powerful art create a powerful biography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
This book makes Martin Luther King, Jr's grand speeches easier for young children to understand.
Due to the subject matter, this book is appropriate for elementary-aged children, possibly in a large group setting.
After discussing the Civil Rights movement, I would have student create a timeline with student-drawn illustrations. 

Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award

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