Children’s Book Awards

 
 

PPGJLI proudly presents our Children's Book Awards, celebrating excellence in picture books by Black authors and illustrators.

This initiative honors the creativity and cultural contributions of artists of African descent and underscores the importance of diverse storytelling. The awards recognize outstanding work that reflects the richness of the African diaspora, brings absent narratives to light, and nurtures a love of reading in children and families.

Through this celebration of Black voices in children’s literature, PPGJLI continues its commitment to supporting inclusive stories and empowering the next generation of storytellers and artists.

 
 
 

For Authors of African descent living in Minnesota:

We encourage submissions in the following categories:

  • Best Illustration

  • Book of the Year

  • Social Change (1st - 3rd place winners)

  • Black History (1st - 3rd place winners)

 

For Authors of African descent Across the US:

We encourage submissions in the following category:

  • Book of the Year

 
 

The following prizes will be awarded:

1st Place (All Categories)

2nd Place (Social Change and Black History categories)

3rd Place (Social Change and Black History categories)

 

Important Dates:

Submissions Close: April 15, 2026

Winners Contacted: June 1, 2026

Public Announcement: June 15, 2026

Awards Ceremony: August 2026 (final date TBA)

 
 

Who is eligible to apply? 

Any author or illustrator of African descent. Submitted works must be published between 2022 and 2026.

How Do I Submit My Work?

In order to submit your work for consideration, please send:

  • 5 copies* of the book to:
    Planting People Growing Justice
    1654 Sherburne Ave, Suite 200
    Saint Paul, MN 55104

  • $50 entry fee per book/category

  • Complete the submission form below

PAY ENTRY FEE
SUBMISSION FORM
 

Can I submit my work for more than one category?

Certainly! However, a separate entry fee is due for each category.

*Please note: Books submitted become the property of Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, and will not be returned after the end of the competition.

2025 PPGJLI Book Award Winners

Book of the Year: Minnesota

  • Sowda Mohamed (The Magic Headscarf)

  • Anthony Walsh (Hockey Is for Everybody: Anthony's Goal)

  • Habiba Mohamed (You Are Not Alone)

Best Illustration: Minnesota

  • Lena Bee (My Rainbow Days)

  • Meleck Davis (The Big Leaf Leap)


National Book of the Year

  • Christiana Smith (Jada's Dream Girls)

 

2024 PPGJ Book Award Winners

Best Illustration: Minnesota

•         Lanesa Bejnarowicz (Nap Time)

Book of the Year: Minnesota

•         Nasra Noor (My Mommy is a School Teacher)

Social Change

•         Rose McGee (Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama!)

•         Isaiah Allen (A Smile) *honorable mention

Black History

•         Mizz Mercedez (Going Back to Rondo)

National Book of the Year

•         Portia Bright Pittman (A Bright Day at the State Capitol: There Ought to be a Law) + Activity Book

•         Lesley Bracero and Natoia Franklin (BJ Doesn’t Cry) *honorable mention

•         Elise M. Washington (Tika Speaks) *honorable mention