Get Up, Stand Up
![]() |
The Coretta Scott King Award, picture borrowed from http://jaysanalysis.com/2010/11/ |
Just as I wondered the best way to educate my students, I also questioned which books were best to share today. Books about the man himself? Books about other movers and shakers? Something different? Well, a trip to Vroman's helped me decide. I bring to you two books that won the Coretta Scott King Award last year. (The new winners will be announced next week!) The Coretta Scott King Award, named for MLK's wife, has been awarded every year since 1969. In 1970, the award was expanded not only to a writer, but also an illustrator. The quote below is taken directly from the American Library Association's website,
"Given to African American authors and illustrator for outstanding inspirational and educational contributions, the Coretta Scott King Book Award titles promote understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contribution to the realization of the American dream of a pluralistic society.
The award is designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace and world brotherhood."

Bryan Collier won the CSK illustrator's award for this book. It tells the story of a slave, known only as Dave, who lived in South Carolina in the 1800s. He was a skilled potter who inscribed short poems on some of is pottery. Much of his life is unknown, especially how he came to read and write. Hill's words are accompanied by Collier's beautiful art. Collier mentions in his note at the end that there weren't any photographs of Dave so he based his work on someone who he felt, "reflected the spirit of Dave." His use of watercolor and collage bring the life of Dave, and his pottery, together beautifully.
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia

At one point she struggles with whether or not she should attend a rally with her sisters. "I wanted to watch the news. Not be in it." I read this line thinking of my students, my friends, and my own life. How many of us feel scared of taking risks reasons similar to this?
It takes a lot of courage to act. It is much easier to watch, listen, and observe things in life. Sit back and it will all work out. Those other people will get things done. And yet there is so much to be done in this world. So today, my friends, take the time to ask yourselves, what are you fighting for?
Beautiful!
ReplyDelete