Minnesota-based publisher wins six Youth Media Awards, four for 'Unspeakable'

Jan. 24—Minnesota-based Lerner Publishing Group received six Youth Media Awards announced Monday by the American Library Association.

"Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre" won four awards. The book about how a white mob in 1921 attacked residents, homes and businesses in a predominantly black neighborhood in Oklahoma was written by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Floyd Cooper, who died in July.

Weatherford received the Coretta Scott King author book award and Cooper won the Coretta Scott King illustrator award. "Unspeakable" was also named an honor book for the Caldecott Medal, given for the most distinguished American picture book for children, and is an honor book for the Sibert Informational Award.

"Where I Belong" written by Marcia Argueta Mickelson, received a Pura Belpre Honor, presented to a Latino-Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latin cultural experience. "Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer," by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Natasha Donovan, is an American Indian Library Association honor picture book.

"Ella Cara Deloria: Dakota Language Protector" by Minnesotan Diane Wilson, illustrated by Tashia Hart, was named a middle grade honor book in the American Indian Youth Literature category. It was published by Minnesota Humanities Center.

Donna Barba Higuera's "The Last Cuentista" won the Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children's literature and "Watercress," illustrated by Jason Chin, won the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children.

For the complete list of winners go to ALA.org.