Book Awards & Distinctions
for Charles R. Smith, Jr.
1 Lifetime Achievement Award 36 Total Book Awards
28 Days: Moments in Black History That Changed the World (5)

ALSC Notable Children's Books, 1995-2025
Commended, 2016

Lasting Connections, 2000 - 2020
Selection, 2015

Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts Award, 1997-2025
Selection, 2016

Notable Poetry and Verse Novels, 2011-2025
Selection, 2016

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2015-2025
History, Life, Culture in the Americas Selection, 2016
Major Taylor: World Cycling Champion (4)

Junior Library Guild Selections, 2012-2025
Sports Selection, 2023

Librarian Favorites Award, 2023-2024
Selection, 2024

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2015-2025
Biography Selection, 2024

Teacher Favorites Award, 2015-2025
Selection, 2024
My People (4)

ALSC Notable Children's Books, 1995-2025
Commended, 2010

CCBC Choices
Selection, 2010

Coretta Scott King Book Awards, 1970-2025
Illustrator Winner, 2010
Hoop Kings 2: New Royalty (3)

CCBC Choices
Selection, 2022

Junior Library Guild Selections, 2012-2025
Sports Selection, 2021

Notable Poetry and Verse Novels, 2011-2025
Selection, 2022
Rimshots: Basketball Pix, Rolls, and Rhythms (3)

ALSC Notable Children's Books, 1995-2025
Commended, 2000

CCBC Choices
Selection, 2000
Dance with Me (2)

CCBC Choices
Selection, 2009

Charlotte Zolotow Award, 1998-2025
Commended, 2009
Perfect Harmony: A Musical Journey with the Boys Choir of Harlem (2)

CCBC Choices
Selection, 2003

Lasting Connections, 2000 - 2020
Selection, 2002
Short Takes (2)

CCBC Choices
Selection, 2002

Lee Bennett Hopkins Award, 1993-2025
Honor, 2002
Song for Jimi: The Story of Guitar Legend Jimi Hendrix (2)

Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature Best Books, 2013-2024
Selection, 2021

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2015-2025
Biography Selection, 2022
Twelve Rounds to Glory: The Story of Muhammad Ali (2)
Bessie the Motorcycle Queen (1)
Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson (1)

SLJ Best Books of the Year, 2010 - 2024
Selection, 2010
Chameleon (1)
Hoop Kings: Poems (1)

CCBC Choices
Selection, 2005
Hoop Queens 2 (1)

Notable Poetry and Verse Novels, 2011-2025
Selection, 2025
Loki & Alex: The Adventures of a Dog and His Best Friend (1)

CCBC Choices
Selection, 2002