Establishment of Award O Established in 1974 by the National Council for the Social Studies for the most distinguished social science books appropriate for young readers that depict ethnicity in the United States O “The purpose of this award is to encourage the writing, publishing, and dissemination of outstanding social science books for young readers that treat topics related to ethnic minorities and relations sensitively and accurately” (“Carter G. Woodson”).

Who Was Carter G. Woodson? O O Historian and educator O Wrote books for adults and young adults O Received Ph.D. in history from Harvard University O Only second African-American to receive doctorate from Harvard O Created National Negro Week in 1926 O 2 nd week of February O Eventually became Black History Month in 1960s

Awards O Award presented each year at NCSS conference O Awarded to one elementary (K-6), one middle (5- 8), and one secondary (7-12) book O Outstanding runner-up books awarded Honor Books

Evaluation Guidelines O Respect for ethnic and racial differences and the worth and importance of individual(s)/group(s) presented. O Focus on individuals and issues that provide insight into the experiences of racial and ethnic groups. O Focus on the interactions among racial/ethnic groups. O Avoids portraying the group(s) as "problem oriented"; presentation of positive, balanced with negative. O Avoids patronizing, distorting, and stereotyping in text and illustrations.

Eligibility Criteria O Accurately reflect the perspectives, cultures, and values of the particular ethnic group or groups. O Be informational or nonfiction. However, it should be primarily a trade or supplementary book as opposed to a book that is primarily a text book. O Be written for children or young people (standard terms with specific meaning used by librarians and the American Library Association). O Be well written and reflect originality in presentation and theme.

Eligibility Criteria O The setting of the book must be in the United States of America. O Have been published in the year preceding the year in which the award is presented. O Be published in the United States, but the author of the book need not be a United States citizen.

Works Cited O “Carter J. Woodson award.” Retrieved April 10, 2012, from the National Council for the Social Studies website at O “Carter J. Woodson biography.” Retrieved April 10, 2012, from O “Carter J. Woodson book award and honor winners.” Retrieved April 10, 2012, from the National Council for the Social Studies website at