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Reading Rockets' children's literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids' books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.

Forty years strong

July 29, 2009

Are awards for children's books useful? What can they do in a real sense?

Children's publishing is a crowded field and for many, awards can help identify not only critically valuable books but help identify new and interesting work.

When it first started some 40 years ago, the Coretta Scott King was intended to recognize the work of African American authors and illustrators. It continues to do so and since 1995, the John Steptoe New Talent Award encourages and recognizes new authors and illustrators.

Many of the CSK award winners are legends in the field, creating books that strongly, clearly and continually resonate with readers.

And now, many of the CSK authors and illustrators are available to explore online at TeachingBooks.Net. It's possible to hear the creators introduce and read excerpts from their work, link to related resources, and more.

It's a fine resource for both home and classroom use. And it's a fine time to discover or rediscover some award winning books worth knowing.

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Thanks for sharing news of the free, Coretta Scott King Book Award Curriculum Resource Center. It was a huge pleasure to make this, and has been updated with winners from this year's recent announcement. See http://teachingbooks.net/csk

Thanks, Reading Rockets for all you do!

Posted by: Nick Glass | January 31, 2010 08:22 PM

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About Maria

Maria Salvadore
Washington, DC

Maria is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maryland, reviewer for School Library Journal and Capitol Choices, and former member of the American Library Association's Notable Children's Book Committee.

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