tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post196038457678448705..comments2024-03-24T02:23:19.870-05:00Comments on Reading In Color: My Issues with the Coretta Scott King AwardsMissAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11042352415616854651noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-23440553574943197862011-07-10T12:58:52.717-05:002011-07-10T12:58:52.717-05:00I've been doing some research on The CSK and t...I've been doing some research on The CSK and the John Steptoe and I have the same problems that you do: They need separate categories and they need to move beyond historical fiction. <br /><br />I'm coming late to the game but I plan on being a major player. I joined the EMIERT, the group that administers those awards for the ALA. I'll be working on getting a Mock version of the awards together.<br /><br />One thing you mentioned, the lack of competitiveness, can be coupled with the lack of definitive criteria and, possibly, some sort of transparency. You can get those by following the Newbery, you know what they are looking for and can really narrow books down, after reading them. You've shown that you can just look at what books are about and guess they will win without reading them! We need quality, contemporary content too!<br /><br />I'm trying to find out if any of the librarians on the committee serve African American youth.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15682700901945724953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-26560805822662954822011-02-14T16:09:35.998-06:002011-02-14T16:09:35.998-06:00Thanks for this post, which I recently discovered,...Thanks for this post, which I recently discovered, along with your whole site. I am super impressed with your passion and commitment to books about POC!!! Thanks for all you're doing to advocate for positive changes -- in the publishing industry, the awards scene, schools and libraries. What you're doing is going to make this world better, not just for POC, but for white folks, too -- both those who know, and those who don't yet know but hopefully one day will, that POC have stories that can speak to them, too. Our stories are stories that we ALL need to hear.<br /><br />You mentioned in this post that you hadn't had a chance to read my book. If you're interested in reading it, I would be very happy to send you a copy as a way to support your work. Again, I appreciate what you're doing and look forward to hearing more from you! (You can contact me through my web site.)<br /><br />Take care,<br />SundeeSundee Frazierhttp://www.sundeefrazier.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-89356297574215291002011-01-14T15:07:31.509-06:002011-01-14T15:07:31.509-06:00Thanks for this thoughtful post!
In terms of your ...Thanks for this thoughtful post!<br />In terms of your frustration with only historical fiction being chosen, I think the CSK can sometimes box itself in (and box in African American authors and illustrators and the subjects that they're able to address in their books) with the stipulation that books must "portray some aspect of the black experience." It does say "past, present, or future," but many contemporary books featuring black characters aren't ABOUT the fact that the characters are black and that takes them out of the running. As more books by and about African Americans are published - and as a more diverse array of subjects is being tackled - the CSK committee may need to sit down and take a good look at their selection criteria to see if the award is still doing what it originally set out to do.Hannahhttp://blog.leeandlow.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-18991744999500664812011-01-13T20:03:09.291-06:002011-01-13T20:03:09.291-06:00Thanks for a provocative post. You should be on t...Thanks for a provocative post. You should be on the committee! I agree that the same authors get chosen over and over, and its other authors that could use the exposure that the award brings.Fourth Musketeerhttp://fourthmusketeer.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-8075995883589255212011-01-09T21:26:24.254-06:002011-01-09T21:26:24.254-06:00@April-That's all I want, for these awards to ...@April-That's all I want, for these awards to receive more respect and attention. Their goal is a good one. There's nothing wrong with picture books, and there are some written for teens those should be in the YA category. But a picture book written for kids should not be in the same category as a book written for teens.<br /><br />Order AWAM right now! (please)<br /><br />@Angela-Thank you :)<br /><br />You raise a good point that I (rather narrow-mindedly) hadn't thought of. That makes perfect sense in the '70s and '80s, there probably weren't a lot of books written by AA authors but now there are. and some award requirements should be changed over time.<br /><br />Ok I agree with you! I definitely wished Delphine was older because I did want to learn more about what her mother did for the Black Panthers and why she left. I didn't know it won the Scott O'Dell award, thanks for letting me know! (well to be honest, I'd never heard of it but that's still cool).<br /><br />@PatriciaW-I agree, once they've won more than twice, I think we can all say that the winner is very talented and other people should be considered more seriously.MissAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11042352415616854651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-58123750920915861172011-01-09T20:53:55.464-06:002011-01-09T20:53:55.464-06:00::Applause:: Excellent post!::Applause:: Excellent post!NiaRaiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13245742876021926812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-18059491285234034962011-01-09T14:52:31.712-06:002011-01-09T14:52:31.712-06:00I have to agree with what the past few people have...I have to agree with what the past few people have stated as it seems to agree with what I've come to realize about this award based upon several things. If the award is going to recognize an author for their contribution to African American literature, then that needs to be stated as the purpose.<br />While I can, and often do, choose to ignore who wins here because I read a wide variety of books, many people, particularly teachers, don't! They rely up these lists to know what to recommend to their students and to know what to read with their classes. Many teachers are so unaware of current books! They cling to what they read in high school themselves, or the Myers, Drapers and Flakes that they continue to always here about. They rarely get a chance to to the great books they're missing and the CSK aren't helping in that regard.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-55747228910739795892011-01-09T10:18:10.598-06:002011-01-09T10:18:10.598-06:00I think the intent of the awards is not necessaril...I think the intent of the awards is not necessarily to spotlight various authors, but rather to spotlight the best books (regardless of who authored them), and since Walter Dean Myers and Jacqueline Woodson are some of the best authors writing for young people today, it stands to reason that they will have good representation over the years.<br /><br />Be sure to read the selection criteria here . . .<br /><br />http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/emiert/cskbookawards/slction.cfm<br /><br />. . . because it's really important that a book portray the black experience. ONE CRAZY SUMMER does that, but does OUT OF MY MIND? I don't think so, but I think the latter title is a great bet for the Schneider Family Book Award (for the best portrayal of the disability experience). We all knew THE LION AND THE MOUSE was the best illustrated book of last year, that it was a virtual lock for the Caldecott, but at the same time we knew it had no chance at the CSK because the book didn't portray the black experience.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-56984512533131877772011-01-08T12:43:11.250-06:002011-01-08T12:43:11.250-06:00Reading these words that you said describe what ki...Reading these words that you said describe what kind of authors are honoured for Coretta Scott awards (those who make 'outstanding inspirational and educational contributions') I'd say that might explain why so many historical novels get awards. As much as I love, love, love Bleeding Violet I'm not sure I'd use those words to describe it - it's not educational at least (although I could argue about it being inspirational, but that's kind of a vague term that could encompass lots of types of inpiration so energy directed elsewhere;) ). It's a kickass story, written well with cool characters but is it educational in any traditional sense of the word? Historical novels are most likely to be obviously educational and in many cases obviously inspirational (the idea of an underdog triumphing over huge, sometimes legally backed obstacles is a big (often wodnerful) trope of historical fiction). <br /><br />Great post Ari. It's always interesting to see the quirks of events highlighted, otherwise we don't notice that they're producing the same kind of winners. Also so weird to see someone win or be honoured ten times no matter how good they are.Jodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11462660276240016464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-3549420677779229362011-01-08T11:39:23.317-06:002011-01-08T11:39:23.317-06:00@Lenore-I know it's hard to tell book bloggers...@Lenore-I know it's hard to tell book bloggers to drop everything and pick up a book, but if you don't have any ARCs to review try and pick it up asap :) It's lovely. And makes me want summer.<br /><br />@prose-It's interesting that you connected with it emotionally but don't see it as a contender. I hate that feeling. I actually think Out of <br />My Mind might need the award but then again maybe not. The kids who love Sharon Draper will already know about it but it's not covered on many book blogs so I don't think it's gotten as much publicity as it could.<br /><br />I've only read a few books by Myers but I'm not a big fan (yet). I'm amazed at the number of books he's able to churn out though. Lockdown was good, not great.<br /><br />I agree, there are a lot of very good possible contenders and my fingers are crossed that the CSK committe will surprise me (in the best of ways). <br /><br />@Helen-I debated for a hot second sending this to the CSK committe. I decided I wouldn't ifi didn't get many responses but since so many people are chiming in, I think I will email it to them (or I could walk it over since they are headquarted in Chicago, haha) since they would be hearing directly from people. <br /><br />Yes 3 categories! It might even make judging easier. And as soon as I finish my must-review books I'm starting Out of My Mind, I need to read it so badly =)MissAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11042352415616854651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-42135403180601909142011-01-08T11:34:15.281-06:002011-01-08T11:34:15.281-06:00As Angela Craft said, above, I suspect the CSK awa...As Angela Craft said, above, I suspect the CSK awards lump all children's/YA together because in the past there weren't enough African American authors to separate the awards by age group. Similarly, the Lambda Awards lump all children's/YA together for LGBT books (as does the newer ALA's Stonewall Award for children's/YA LGBT). Maybe it's time for a change? I do agree there are many more great African American writers publishing these days, and I'm a big fan of BLEEDING VIOLET, too!Malinda Lohttp://www.malindalo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-30770252665003160332011-01-08T11:28:29.051-06:002011-01-08T11:28:29.051-06:00First, thank you so much everyone for commenting! ...First, thank you so much everyone for commenting! When applicable, I'll try to email or comment at your blog with my response as well if you miss it here. Secondly, I think nominations will be announced Jan.10 so let's keep our fingers crossed :)<br /><br />@Katie-I'm thrilled that you are going to bookmark this post and share it. The First Part Last is beyond amazing, completely deserving of its win. And I think many of the books that have won are quality books but we despertely need more contemporary books to be considered. I'm glad to know I'm not the only Black kid whose sick of the slavery stories (since my Black friends don't read it's nothing something we've ever discussed).<br /><br />Ok all the books you need to read are fantastic. However I'm going to say drop everything and read Bleeding Violet and 8th Grade Superzero FIRST. Then One Crazy Summer because you will lose yourslef in it and fly thorugh. then move on to Ninth Ward because it's beautiful and it needs to be savored :)MissAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11042352415616854651noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-79459654246819199442011-01-08T10:39:18.417-06:002011-01-08T10:39:18.417-06:00Hello! Thanks for posting about this topic. I am ...Hello! Thanks for posting about this topic. I am an MSLS student at UNC (2011!) and just completed a content analysis on the CSK award winners over the last twenty years. I was also quite surprised to see the heavy emphasis on historical fiction and the number of repeat author winners. I agree with you in that they are certainly all worthy books (Although I wasn't really partial to The Dark Thirty) but they are not all the kind of books that are relevant to the life experience of a lot of the students I am working with in my current field experience. Like you, I am not denying the importance of historical fiction, just wondering why they aren't more books winning which are set in modern times and focusing on issues relevant to today's adolescents. Thanks for sharing this post.Katy Vancehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15987421591745185638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-34697405064131043372011-01-08T09:10:57.994-06:002011-01-08T09:10:57.994-06:00This is such a fantastic post! I've had a lot...This is such a fantastic post! I've had a lot of the same ideas rattling around in my head for the past year, and you've said this so incredibly well. Yes, yes, yes, it does not make any sense to pit YA/middle-grade and picture books against each other in a competition. How on earth do you compare them? The award should be split into different age categories - you are absolutely right.<br /><br />And, this made me laugh out loud, "If another slavery or civil rights book wins, I might throw something." Me too! The kids at my library are begging for contemporary fiction featuring African-American characters.Madigan Mirzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03298558705488237857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-89865937220658838482011-01-07T13:49:21.791-06:002011-01-07T13:49:21.791-06:00This is a great post. Having not read any of the b...This is a great post. Having not read any of the books you mentioned (they're on my TBR list but I'm so behind), I can't comment on what I wish would win or what I think will win. <br /><br />I've looked at the award winners in past years (prior to discovering your blog) and it did seem like a lot of the same authors were winning. Back then, I thought that they were all winning because they were the only ones with talent who were writing. But now I see that there's a lot more authors who are writing solid work, and I hope the CSK awards committee finds a way to recognize their efforts.M (@notarevolution)http://www.twitter.com/notarevolutionnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-76702330974476605862011-01-07T12:22:17.104-06:002011-01-07T12:22:17.104-06:00Ninth Ward won our Mock Newbery this morning so it...Ninth Ward won our Mock Newbery this morning so it's certainly a contender for CSK, though I think you're right that it will likely be One Crazy Summer.Kerihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01466651386803323573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-70221428069607492042011-01-07T11:06:38.310-06:002011-01-07T11:06:38.310-06:00This is a great post! I agree, I'd love to se...This is a great post! I agree, I'd love to see BLEEDING VIOLET honored. It's not just with the Coretta Scott King awards...I think the attitude in general is that unless you write historical fiction, you're not a serious writer, and that just isn't true (as much as I love historical fiction).<br /><br />Thanks for making me think (as usual)!Maggie Desmond-O'Brienhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16007811452527769309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-48539263881967099012011-01-07T10:54:26.063-06:002011-01-07T10:54:26.063-06:00I agree with you that the same people tend to win ...I agree with you that the same people tend to win over and over. People say it's because they're the main African-American authors who get published, but when the same people dominate the awards, it makes it harder for lesser-known writers to get published and stay published. I like your idea for splitting the writing award by age group, so that YA doesn't get shortchanged (which has become an even greater problem with the Pura Belpre).<br /><br />That said, my pick for this year's CSK is One Crazy Summer. I'd love to see Out of My Mind win the Schneider Family Award, but I thought both One Crazy Summer and Ninth Ward were stronger contenders for the CSK, and neither Rita Williams-Garcia nor Jewell Parker Rhodes are award "regulars." I'd also like to see honor award/honorable mentions for the Steptoe to help debut African-American authors stay in the game. Like you, I'd love to see Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich win the Steptoe for 8th Grade Superzero.Lyn Miller-Lachmannhttp://web.mac.com/lynmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-24091719559640703482011-01-07T10:03:31.324-06:002011-01-07T10:03:31.324-06:00Love this post! I can't say who should win, b...Love this post! I can't say who should win, but I hate any awards where the same people win over and over, as though there aren't any new and exciting voices, whether it's books, film, television or whatever.PatriciaWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04572087157439187319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-73885926257592574282011-01-07T08:51:13.140-06:002011-01-07T08:51:13.140-06:00Here here! Excellent post!
I imagine that the CSK...Here here! Excellent post!<br /><br />I imagine that the CSK/Pura Belpre awards have lumped all of the categories (PB/MG/YA) together because when these awards were established there weren't always a variety of authors of color publishing at all levels? But I definitely think it's time to re-evaluate that.<br /><br />As for awards predictions, <i>Out of My Mind</i> was one of my favorite titles of the year, so I want that to get as many awards as possible! I liked <i>One Crazy Summer</i>, but certainly wasn't as bowled over as a lot of other people. Honestly, I wanted the same story to be told with Delphine a little older, in order to get even more into the politics and her mother's choices. Did you see it won the Scott O'Dell award for historical fiction?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13223450892316241062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-14449816693136011882011-01-07T08:19:18.722-06:002011-01-07T08:19:18.722-06:00I really like the idea of three categories. I mean...I really like the idea of three categories. I mean, that would accord the CSK the same respect as other awards. Seriously I don't read picture books and don't think you can put them in the same category as YA.<br /><br />Also, this reminds me that I need to still order A Wish After Midnight.April (BooksandWine)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15268544465552896599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-69605976761348059092011-01-07T07:14:30.213-06:002011-01-07T07:14:30.213-06:00Great post and such good points. Have you thought ...Great post and such good points. Have you thought of sending this on the CSK folks? It can't hurt and you might make a difference. 3 categories seems like such a great idea. I loved Out of My Mind so would be happy if that wonHelen's Book Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01404788769349792460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-54049593481772249992011-01-07T05:18:14.033-06:002011-01-07T05:18:14.033-06:00Fascinating post! I'm printing it out and poin...Fascinating post! I'm printing it out and pointing some of my colleagues to it. Thank you.<br /><br />I have read Out of My Mind and while I connected emotionally with this story, it did not strike me as a contender. Then all the buzz began and I had to scratch my head. It doesn't need an award. Most of the fifth and sixth grade teachers are reading it aloud to their kids this year and I'm sure that class sets will be purchased once it's released in paperback.<br /><br />Lockdown was interesting, but I found myself not buying a couple of plot twists and overall, wanting more. And I adore Myers. <br /><br />Ninth Ward was luminous. Beautiful writing, issues seamlessly woven and a protagonist with a strong moral compass.<br /><br />One Crazy Summer also featured an amazing protagonist. I loved Delphine's voice. I loved her journey, her awakening. This one is my favorite for both the Newbery and the CSK. <br /><br />I wasn't aware of the bias toward historical fiction in the award. You're right about the need to recognize that there are books reflecting the Black experience more fully. <br /><br />As for the same revolving winners: I'm guessing that the committee, like the other committees, is charged with looking at this past year only and judge the merits of the literature before them. This year, though, I believe that there are stronger novels.<br /><br />brendaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-24827596458829319952011-01-07T04:47:29.540-06:002011-01-07T04:47:29.540-06:00I think One Crazy Summer has a great chance (based...I think One Crazy Summer has a great chance (based on buzz that I've heard). It's high in my TBR. I so wish Bleeding Violet would be recognized. Totally deserving!Lenore Appelhanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16664671644163369772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5255886452367019317.post-23280567326221307042011-01-07T04:42:05.825-06:002011-01-07T04:42:05.825-06:00I am bookmarking this post and using it in my libr...I am bookmarking this post and using it in my library!!! I work with primarily African American students and they are really just over the fact that so many "great books" that reflect their faces are about slavery. Like you, I LOVED The First Part Last. That was an incredible piece of literature and years after reading it, I still remember the story vividly.<br /><br />I NEED to read Out of My Mind (I do love Sharon Draper!), Bleeding Violet, Ninth Ward, 8th Grade Superzero, and One Crazy Summer. I've a whole lot of Newbery buzz around One Crazy Summer!<br /><br />Thanks for such a great post!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10236275337479478234noreply@blogger.com