Title: Elijah of Buxton
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Publisher: Scholastic

Eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada, which is a haven for slaves fleeing the American South in 1859, uses his wits and skills to try to bring to justice the lying preacher who has stolen money that was to be used to buy a family's freedom.

Title: Let it Shine: Three Favorite Spirituals
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

"This Little Light of Mine," "When the Saints Go Marching In," "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." Colorful illustrations and simple text introduce versions of three well-known spirituals along with a brief music score and a short history of slave songs before the Civil War.

Coretta Scott King Award for Authors

The Coretta Scott King Award is awarded annually to authors of African descent whose distinguished books promote understanding and appreciation of the "American Dream." This award commemorates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and honors his widow, Coretta Scott King, for her courage in continuing his work for peace and brotherhood.

Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators

The Coretta Scott King Award is awarded annually to illustrators of African descent whose work heightens and extends the reader’s awareness of the best and worst around them. The style and content enlarges upon the story elements, awakening and strengthening the imagination of the reader while leading to an appreciation of beauty.

2008 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Books for Authors

Title: November Blues
Author: Sharon M. Draper
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Title: Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali
Author: Charles R. Smith Jr.
Publisher: Candlewick Press

2008 Coretta Scott King Award Honor Books for Illustrators

Title: Jazz on a Saturday Night
Illustrator: Diane Dillon
Author: Leo Dillon
Publisher: Blue Sky Press

Title: The Secret Olivia Told Me
Illustrator: Nancy Devard
Author: N. Joy
Publisher: Just Us Books