A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders, illustrated by Byron McCray, and published by Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Macmillan is the winner in the Picture Book category.

A Song for the Unsung: Bayard Rustin, the Man Behind the 1963 March on Washington, written by Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders, illustrated by Byron McCray, introduces an unsung hero, Bayard Rustin, who made the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom possible. It was where Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28, 1963. As a follower of Gandhi, Bayard Rustin shared his knowledge about the principles of nonviolent protest with Dr. King. Authors Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders inform readers of Bayard Rustin’s various life experiences during different stages of his life, and illustrate how Bayard put his heart into the Civil Rights Movement during a challenging period for him as a Quaker Black gay man. The illustrator, Byron McCray, recreates scenes of the 1960s in beautiful collages. Right from the book’s cover, readers are introduced to Bayard’s passion and energy to make the world a better place for people who were treated unfairly. Back matter adds more information about Bayard Rustin and the March that he organized. An unsung hero, Bayard Rustin is remembered through this picture book, and finally, we hear his song from people he loved.

Authors: Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders
Illustrator: Byron McCray
Award: 2024 Winner Picture Book Category

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