Coretta Scott King and Pura Belpre Awards Forest Lake and Mandalay Elementary Libraries

Coretta Scott King Award Given annually since 1970 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.  

The lines are bronze on the winner, and silver on the honor books. The dove symbolizes peace. The circle is a reminder to “never stop moving” from one idea to another. The rays shine toward peace and brotherhood. The lines are bronze on the winner, and silver on the honor books. The pyramid symbolizes strength. The five main religious symbols below the image of the child represent nonsectarianism.

Some Past Winners…

Pura Belpre Award Established in 1996, is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. It was given biannually from 1996 to 2008, since then it became annually.

Some Past Winners…