Designed to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination to continue the work for peace, the Coretta Scott King Books Awards annually recognize outstanding books for young adults and children by African American authors and illustrators that reflect the African American experience. Further, the Award encourages the artistic expression of the black experience via literature and the graphic arts in biographical, social and historical treatments by African American authors and illustrators.

-The winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award is HEART AND SOUL: The Story of America and African Americans written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

-Two Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books were named: THE GREAT MIGRATION: Journey to the North written by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist; and NEVER FORGOTTEN written by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon.

-The winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award is UNDERGROUND: Finding the Light to Freedom written and illustrated by Shane W. Evans.

-One Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book was named: HEART AND SOUL: The Story of America and African Americans written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson.