My People (Coretta Scott King Award - Illustrator Winner Title(s))

"My People" is a visually stunning interpretation of Langston Hughes's timeless poem, brought to life through the evocative sepia photographs by Charles R. Smith Jr. This Coretta Scott King Award-winning title connects readers of all ages with the glory, beauty, and profound soul of the Black American experience. Published in 2009, the book transforms Hughes’s spare yet eloquent tribute into a powerful visual narrative, celebrating the resilience and the vibrant culture of the Black community. Ideal for elementary school readers, "My People" serves as an accessible introduction to themes of racial justice, encouraging young minds to appreciate and reflect on the richness of a diverse society. As you turn each page, allow yourself to be moved by the profound connection between the poetic words and their photographic representations—a celebration of identity, strength, and unity. Will you see yourself reflected in its pages?