For families looking for inspiring books for their children to read this summer or later in the year, consider these six children’s books selected for Carter G. Woodson Book Awards in 2023.
These annual awards are presented by the National Council for the Social Studies to elevate books that reflect experiences of traditionally marginalized racial or ethnic groups within the United States. For nearly 50 years, these awards have been presented in honor of distinguished scholar and activist Dr. Carter G. Woodson who dedicated his efforts to make Black History known, visible, and valued.
Elementary winner and honorees:
Where We Come From by Diane Wilson, Sun Yung Shin, Shannon Gibney, and John Coy, illustrated by Dion MBD
I Color Myself Different by Colin Kaepernick, illustrated by Eric Wilkerson
Until Someone Listens: A Story About Borders, Family, and One Girl’s Mission by Estela Juarez and Lissette Norman, illustrated by Teresa Martínez
Middle-level winner and honoree:
Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America (Young Adult Adaptation) by Candacy Taylor
Because of You, John Lewis: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown
Secondary winner:
Day of Infamy: How a Century of Bigotry Led to Japanese American Internment by Lawrence Goldstone
“The Carter G. Woodson Book Award Committee presents this year’s award winners and honorees as excellent examples of resources that can help social studies teachers guide students in inquiries that question and dismantle injustice. We commend the authors and illustrators for their creation of non-fiction texts that focus on BIPOC voices and can educate and inspire our students to be agents of change,” said Jennifer L. Gallagher, who serves as chair of the Carter G. Woodson Book Awards Committee.