Carter G. Woodson Book Awards, 2009

In an effort to promote cultural literacy in children and young adults, the Racism and Social Justice Committee of the National Council for the Social Studies created the Carter G. Woodson Book Award. The purpose of the Woodson Award, given annually since 1974, is to promote the writing, publishing, and dissemination of sensitive and accurate social science books for children. These works are to promote an understanding of ethnic minorities and relations in the United States. The award was named in honor of an African American pioneer in the field of black studies, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Woodson, social scientist and educator, dedicated his life to research, writing, and publishing works that increased literary resources available on black history and the significant contributions of black Americans. This article presents the book award winners at the elementary (K-6), middle (5-8), and secondary (7-12) levels for 2009. These award and honor books have been determined to be superior examples of books that focus on individual or collective experiences of ethnic minorities in the United States. It also presents reviews that provide a summary of each book along with specific NCSS thematic strands identified for curriculum development and classroom use.