91´«Ã½

"Gone Crazy in Alabama,” written by Rita Williams-Garcia, and published by Amistad, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

91´«Ã½

"Trombone Shorty,” illustrated by Bryan Collier, written by Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and Bill Taylor, and published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, an imprint of ABRAMS.

91´«Ã½

“All American Boys,” written by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.

91´«Ã½

“The Boy in the Black Suit,” written by Jason Reynolds, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division.

91´«Ã½

“X: A Novel,” written by Ilyasah Shabazz with Kekla Magoon, and published by Candlewick Press.

91´«Ã½

“The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth & Harlem's Greatest Bookstore,” illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, written by Vaunda Michaeux Nelson, and published by Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc.

91´«Ã½

“Last Stop on Market Street,” illustrated by Christian Robinson, written by Matt de le Peña, and published by G.P. Putnam's Songs, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group.

91´«Ã½

“Hoodoo,” written by Ronald L. Smith and published by Clarion Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

91´«Ã½

“Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement,” illustrated by Ekua Holmes, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and published by Candlewick Press.

91´«Ã½

Jerry Pinkney (Author/Illustrator)

Jerry Pinkney is the recipient of the 2016 Coretta Scott King–Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement. The announcement was made today by the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), during the 91´«Ã½ Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits held Jan. 8-12, in Boston.

“Accomplished artist and illustrator Jerry Pinkney constructs books which explore cultural experiences and ethnic identity. This dynamic process offers amazing insight, remarkable skill, and distinctive style. Through the visual life of his illustrations, Pinkney has created a vast and broad legacy for child and adult audiences,” stated Awards Jury Chair Dr. Darwin L. Henderson.

In selecting Jerry Pinkney, the Jury observes that his illustrations detail a world that resonates with readers long after the pages of a book have been turned. His five decades of work offer compelling artistic insights into the legacy of African American storytelling and experience. Beyond Pinkney’s technical brilliance, his support of differentiated learning through art and of young illustrators sets him apart as both artist and educator. His powerful illustrations have redefined the scope of the sophisticated picture book and its use with multiple levels of learners.