Black Books Matter Everywhere

With a view to promoting the importance of diversity in children’s books, this special focus on African American literature and illustration features a panel of experts, authors, and illustrators whose work, pages and pictures open up the representation of African American life and culture. The meeting also focuses on the Coretta Scott King Awards, one of the most important prizes in the field of children’s literature given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults. Complementing this program is the exhibition “Our Voice: Celebrating the Coretta Scott King Awards” organized by the National Center of Children’s Illustrated Literature (Abilene, Texas) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Awards and showcasing the work of more than 30 African American illustrators.

Program moderator: Leonard S. Marcus

Panelists: Rudine Sims Bishop, Claudette McLinn, Nikki Grimes, Christopher Myers, and Joshunda Sanders.