Leading up to the American Library Association Youth Media Awards, I was of course pulling for my books. Perhaps Outspoken: Paul Robeson, Ahead of His Time-A One-Man Show or Whriligigs: The Wondrous Windmills of Vollis Simpson’s Imagination would get a Sibert nod, or Crown of Stories: The Life and Language of Beloved Writer Toni Morrison would be recognized by the Coretta Scott King Award committee, or Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair would clinch another Caldecott for illustrator Ekua Holmes. It’s a good thing that I am not a betting woman because I was dead wrong.
I never dreamed that it would be me, not my 2024 books, being honored this year. When I got the call from the award committee of the Association for Library Service to Children, I was in shock. The biggest thrill, though, was hearing the applause when my name was called during the award announcement at ALA Lib/Learn X in Denver.
After streaming the announcements, I looked heavenward and whispered, “Mommy and Daddy, I did it.” Their spirits will be with me when I accept the award this summer in Philadelphia.
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So well deserved! Love your books! Congratulations!!
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Well deserved! I love all your books.
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Congratulations, Carole!!! You deserve every bit of this honor and more!
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Yes, your parents would be SOOOO proud! Congratulations!!
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Right on! Your contributions to children’s literature are among the most important. Congratulations!
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All the praise is well deserved!!!
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I am not at all surprised by this honor. I have been an avid fan ever since I happened on The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights. It is the most exquisite example of the power of words and illustrations married together. I purchased that title for my media center, pulled it to read every year, and shared it with every colleague and friend I could corral into reading a picture book. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Through The Beatitudes I have gone on to discover many of your other titles. Schomburg being another favorite. I am steadily working my way through each of your books. Thank you for your beautiful works of art!
Tammy Smith, Retired Media Specialist
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