Dewey Decibel Podcast: 50 Years of the CSK Book Awards

Recorded live at ALA's 2019 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

July 29, 2019

The Coretta Scott King (CSK) Book Awards, which honor African-American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. To commemorate the occasion, Dewey Decibel invited five past winners and honorees to discuss the awards at a panel discussion at the American Library Association’s 2019 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C. in June.

Episode 40 revisits that panel, joining American Libraries Senior Editor and Dewey Decibel host Phil Morehart as he talks with authors Jacqueline Woodson (Brown Girl Dreaming), Jason Reynolds (As Brave As You), and Angie Thomas (The Hate U Give); author and illustrator Christopher Myers (Firebird); and illustrator Ekua Holmes (The Stuff of Stars) about the history and importance of the awards.

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Jason Reynolds speaking at the Opening General Session of the 2019 ALA Annual Conference

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Illustration by Ekua Holmes, winner of the 2018 Coretta Scott King (CSK) Book Award for Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets.Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, Massachusetts

50 Years of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards

A conversation with nine winners and committee members who have been part of the influential children’s book awards

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Amy Katzenberger became director of ALA’s Development Office in early September. Among other fundraising activities, Katzenberger and her team have been shepherding the campaign for the Association’s 150th anniversary, which will culminate in 2026. Prior to joining ALA, Katzenberger worked at Riley Children’s Foundation in Indianapolis as director of foundation relations, where she secured millions of dollars in grants. Before Riley, she served as chief program officer for the American Camp Association. Early in her career, Katzenberger worked in ALA’s Conference Services department as a meetings and scheduling manager. She answered our 11 Questions to introduce herself to ALA members.

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Nick Tanzi writes: “Whenever an emerging technology arises, there are inevitably those who will question the value and relevance of the library. Throughout my career, I have heard some version of the refrain ‘Why do I need the library when I have:’ the World Wide Web, Google, ereaders, the iPad, or ChatGPT. In each instance, the library adopted and/or adapted to these technologies. As we enter the age of artificial intelligence, we can expect the same skeptical voices challenging the relevance of our institutions. A closer look at the library and our brand reveals that their value has only grown.”

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