The Coretta Scott King Award, named for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s wife, was created to honor their work. It is given annually to African-American authors and illustrators who have given great contributions in children's and young adult literature.

The 2008 Coretta Scott King Award was given to Christopher Paul Curtis, for Elijah of Buxton. This year's honors went to Sharon M. Draper for November Blues and Charles R. Smith, Jr. for Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali.

The John Steptoe New Talent Award is given to an African-American author with an outstanding debut novel. This year's award went to Sundee T. Frazier for Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It.