ST. PAUL, Minn. – Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) proudly announces the winners of the 2026 PPGJLI Children’s Book Awards, celebrating outstanding Black authors whose books educate, inspire, preserve history, and bring diverse stories to life for young readers.
The PPGJLI Children’s Book Awards celebrate excellence in children’s literature by authors and illustrators of African descent. The awards recognize books that reflect the richness of the African diaspora, bring important and often overlooked narratives to light, and nurture a lifelong love of reading.
2026 Award Recipients
Minnesota Book of the Year: Lena Bee — Bryson the Beast
Black History Award: Derek Francis — Our First Bus Ride
National Book of the Year: Ainissa Ramirez — Spark: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone
“Books have the power to shape how children see themselves, understand their history, and imagine their future,” said Dr. Artika R. Tyner, Founder of PPGJLI. “Through the Children’s Book Awards, we celebrate authors who are expanding the stories available to young readers and ensuring that Black history, culture, creativity, and leadership have a meaningful place on every bookshelf.”
Celebrate the 2026 Award Winners
PPGJLI will host a special awards ceremony, book reading, and author book signing on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the JK Movement / Jimmy Lee Recreational Center, 1063 Iglehart Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104.
Children, families, educators, librarians, and community members are invited to join PPGJLI in celebrating the award-winning authors, hearing their stories, and experiencing the joy of reading together.
Event Details
What: 2026 PPGJLI Children’s Book Awards Ceremony, Book Reading & Author Signing
When: Saturday, September 5, 2026 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Where: JK Movement / Jimmy Lee Recreational Center1063 Iglehart Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55104
The event is open to the public.
Support the Award-Winning Authors
Readers can celebrate the 2026 honorees by purchasing their books and sharing these stories with children, families, classrooms, schools, and libraries.
Purchase the award-winning books: https://bookshop.org/lists/ppgjli-book-awards
About the PPGJLI Children’s Book Awards
The annual PPGJLI Children’s Book Awards shine a spotlight on Black authors and illustrators who are shaping the future of children’s literature. The awards advance PPGJLI’s commitment to literacy and representation by recognizing books that celebrate culture, preserve history, amplify diverse voices, and inspire the next generation of readers and leaders.
About Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute
Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute (PPGJLI) is a nonprofit organization committed to planting seeds of social change through education, training, and community outreach. Through literacy, arts and humanities, leadership development, and community engagement, PPGJLI expands access to diverse books, amplifies underrepresented voices, and equips children and families with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.
For more information about PPGJLI and the Children’s Book Awards, visit www.ppgjli.org.
Media ContactCompany Name: Planting People Growing Justice® Leadership InstituteContact Person: Jacklyn MiltonEmail: Send EmailPhone: (651) 303-6566City: Saint PaulState: MinnesotaCountry: United StatesWebsite: www.ppgjli.org
