On the Shoulders of Giants

This insightful volume examines the foundational contributions of four pioneering African American authors—Virginia Hamilton, Julius Lester, Walter Dean Myers, and Mildred D. Taylor—who centered and illuminated the experiences of Black youth in young adult literature. The book provides a critical celebration of their robust storytelling, which established a vital canon of work that had been historically absent from the literary landscape. It further explores the significant role of the Coretta Scott King Award in promoting visibility and access for authors and illustrators of African descent.

What makes this work essential is its dual focus on both the literary giants who built the field and the institutional mechanisms, like the Coretta Scott King Award, that ensure their legacies endure and that new voices are amplified. Teen readers, educators, and anyone invested in understanding the roots of diverse representation in literature will find this a compelling and necessary resource. Ultimately, it offers a powerful reminder that contemporary young adult literature stands firmly on the shoulders of these giants.