Goddard Riverside – CBC Young People’s Book Prize for Social Justice

Young People’s Book Prize for Social Justice recognizes nonfiction books for children and teens related to urban life and issues that support values such as community, equality, opportunity, mutual understanding, respect, caring, and justice.

HONORING BOOKS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Launched in 2020, the Goddard Riverside – CBC Young People’s Book Prize for Social Justice recognizes nonfiction books for children and teens related to urban life and issues that support values such as community, equality, opportunity, mutual understanding, respect, caring and justice – in accordance with Goddard Riverside’s mission.

Books submitted by children’s book publishers are reviewed by a committee and a shortlist is issued. The winner of each year’s awards is announced at Goddard Riverside’s Annual Gala.

2023 SHORTLIST AND WINNER

Holding Her Own: The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes, by Traci N. Todd, illus. Shannon Wright (Orchard Books / Scholastic, ISBN 9781338305906)

Jane Jacobs: Champion of Cities, Champion of People, by Rebecca Pitts (Seven Stories Press, ISBN 9781644212998)

The Mother of a Movement, by Rob Sanders, illus. Sam Kalda (American Psychological Association, ISBN 9781433840203)

WINNER — Food for Hope: How John van Hengel Invented Food Banks for the Hungry, by Jeff Gottesfeld, illus. Michelle Laurentia Agatha (Creston Books, ISBN 9781954354241, ages 7-11). Read more about the winner.

2022 SHORTLIST AND WINNER

Evicted! The Struggle for the Right to Vote, by Alice Faye Duncan; illus. by Charly Palmer (Calkins Creek / Astra Books for Young Readers, ages 8-12)

Our World is a Family, by Miry Whitehill and Jennifer Jackson; illus. by Nomar Perez (Sourcebooks Explore, ages 3-8)

Your Planet Needs You: A Kids’ Guide to Reducing Waste and Recycling, by Philip Bunting (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, ages 5-7)

WINNER — Sanctuary: Kip Tiernan and Rosie’s Place, the Nation’s First Shelter for Women, by Christine McDonnell, illus. by Victoria Tentler-Krylov (Candlewick Press, ages 7-10). Read more about the winner.

2021 SHORTLIST AND WINNER

Art Of Protest: Creating, Discovering, and Activating Art For Your Revolution, by De Nichols (Candlewick Press)

Pocket Change Collective: Concrete Kids, by Amyra Leon; illus. Ashley Lukashevsky (Penguin Workshop / Penguin Young Readers)

Something Happened In Our Park: Standing Together After Gun Violence, by Ann Hazzard, Marietta Collins, and Marianne Celano (Magination Press)

Tani`s New Home: A Refugee Finds Hope and Kindness In America, by Tanitoluwa (Tani) Adewumi; illus. Courtney Dawson (Harpercollins Christian Publishing)

Without Separation: Prejudice, Segregation, and the Case of Roberto Alverez, by Larry Dane Brimner; illus. Maya Gonzalez (Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills & Kane)

WINNER — Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpré Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories, by Annette Bay Pimentel; illlus. Magaly Morales (Abrams Books For Young Readers). Read more about the winner.

2020 SHORTLIST ADN WINNER

All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything, by Annette Bay Pimental; illus. by Nabi H. Ali (Sourcebooks Explore/Sourcebooks Kids)

Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood, by Tony Hillery; illus. by Jessie Hartland (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books)

Lizzie Demands a Seat!: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights, by Beth Anderson; illus. by E. B. Lewis (Boyds Mill & Kane/Calkins Creek)

WINNER — For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in A Better World, by Michael W. Waters; illus. by Keisha Morris (Flyaway Books). Read more about the winner.

MORE AWARDS. Eloise Greenfield Children’s Poetry Advocate Prize, Notable Social Studies Trade Books, Outstanding Science Trade Books, Best STEM Books, and more collaborations.