Kwame Alexander is American poet, educator, publisher, Emmy® Award-winning producer, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of 40 books, including poetry, memoir, and children's fiction. His mission is to change the world, one word at a time.
The Coretta Scott King Award is an annual award presented by the Coretta Scott King Book Award Round Table, part of the American Library Association (ALA). Named for Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King Jr., this award recognizes outstanding books for young adults and children by African Americans that reflect the African American experience. Awards are given both to authors and to illustrators.
Sharon Draper won the Steptoe Award before going on to win two Coretta Scott King Awards
Ashley Bryan has won the award as both an author and illustrator and has been recognized 12 total times
Christopher Paul Curtis became the first author to win the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award in the same year for Bud, Not Buddy.