Black Authors and Illustrators Invited to Submit for PPGJLI Children’s Book Awards
The Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute is accepting submissions through April 15 for its Children’s Book Awards, recognizing Black authors and illustrators whose work reflects culture, identity and community.
The Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute is calling on Black authors and illustrators nationwide to submit published picture books for consideration in its annual Children’s Book Awards.
The Saint Paul-based nonprofit is accepting submissions through April 15 for works that uplift culture, identity and community — and reflect the richness of the African diaspora for young readers.
“Our goal is to empower authors and inspire young readers through stories that matter,” said Dr. Artika Tyner, founder of PPGJLI. “Every submission helps build a more inclusive literary future.”
WHY THE AWARDS MATTER
For Black children growing up in Minnesota and across the nation, seeing themselves in the pages of a book is more than representation — it is affirmation.
PPGJLI created its Children’s Book Awards to address the persistent lack of diversity in children’s publishing by recognizing excellence in storytelling from writers and illustrators of African descent.
Winners receive recognition from a community panel of judges and gain visibility among educators, families and national literacy networks. Beyond a trophy, the awards connect creators to a movement working to ensure every child can find themselves in a story.
Entries are reviewed by a panel of community leaders and literary professionals. Selected works highlight storytelling that promotes literacy, leadership and positive social change.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
The awards are open to published authors and illustrators of African descent — both emerging and established — whose work reflects a commitment to equity, inclusion and social change. Published picture books that inspire, educate and empower children and families are encouraged to apply.
Submissions are accepted at ppgjli.org/ppgjli-childrens-book-awards.
PAST WINNERS REFLECT MINNESOTA’S LITERARY TALENT
The awards have spotlighted a growing roster of Twin Cities and statewide talent.
2025 honorees included three Minnesota Books of the Year: Sowda Mohamed for The Magic Headscarf; Anthony Walsh for Hockey Is for Everybody: Anthony’s Goal; and Habiba Mohamed for You Are Not Alone. Best Illustration honors went to Lena Bee for My Rainbow Days and Meleck Davis for The Big Leaf Leap. Minnesota author Christiana Smith received National Book of the Year honors for Jada’s Dream Girls.
2024 winners included Nasra Noor, who earned Minnesota Book of the Year for My Mommy is a School Teacher, and Rose McGee, whose Can’t Nobody Make a Sweet Potato Pie Like Our Mama! was recognized in the Social Change category. Mizz Mercedez received Black History honors for Going Back to Rondo, and Portia Bright Pittman claimed National Book of the Year for A Bright Day at the State Capitol: There Ought to be a Law. Lanesa Bejnarowicz earned Best Illustration honors for Nap Time.
A NONPROFIT ROOTED IN COMMUNITY
PPGJLI is an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy, leadership and social change across the Twin Cities and beyond. Through its Leaders are Readers program, the organization has donated more than 50,000 books to young readers. Its 100 Black Authors Campaign works to expand access to diverse books and build a pipeline of representation in children’s literature.
The Children’s Book Awards are among PPGJLI’s signature efforts to bridge the gap between talented Black creators and the audiences who need their stories most.
The submission deadline is April 15, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit ppgjli.org/ppgjli-childrens-book-awards.