“Mock” Coretta Scott King Awards

I’m honored that she thinks BIRD is worthy of recognition, but really, any award ought to go to Shadra for her beautifully rendered illustrations.  And Kyra’s right–the field is dominated by men–very talented men!–but it’s an imbalance that deserves closer consideration.  I’ve often felt that black literature in Canada suffers from a “small pond/big fish” syndrome, where a handful of authors are feted and emerging authors are left out in the cold.  The community of black children’s book authors here in the US seems to be functioning in the same way.  As Kyra notes, “31% of all past CSK Illustrator Awards have gone to just five illustrators (Ashley Bryan, Jerry Pinkney, Leo Dillion and Diane Dillion and Bryan Collier). Now, this is no disrespect to any winning illustrators – I just can’t understand why one award would continue to go to the same folks year after year.  Judges?”  I have to say, I’m growing weary of the numer of “tribute” books being published for great historical figures.  I don’t agree with Charles Johnson’s claim that Toni Morrison somehow lacks relevancy b/c she only writes about the past and doesn’t focus on contemporary issues; I wouldn’t dare tell an author what to write about, and I’m personally invested in historical fiction.  But I do wonder whether the publication of so many books on “great blacks” (Harriet Tubman, MLK, Rosa Parks) is really the organic artistic impulse of black writers, or the desire of white publishers to produce books that are likely to be acquired by librarians and win critical recognition/awards.  Kyra also asks whether any self-published books will ever be recognized by the CSK awards committee.  That’s an interesting idea–I assumed self-published books were “beyond the pale,” and not considered legit.  Today I sent out half a dozen review copies of my YA novel, A Wish after Midnight.  I’m targeting teachers and nonprofits that serve teenage girls.  Hate the hustle, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do…