#1
Months on List: 20
Harriot humorously yet critically challenges the dominant white narrative of American history, providing a fresh perspective through the overlooked experiences of Black Americans across significant events.
Black Af History: The Un-whitewashed Story Of America
by Michael Harriot • Dey Street Books (September 19, 2023) • 20 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 1
This memoir is a deeply personal account of a Grammy-winning artist, detailing his journey through depression, addiction, and self-discovery, and his transformation from a kid from Cleveland to a cultural icon.
Cudi: The Memoir
by Kid Cudi • Simon & Schuster (August 12, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 11
Malcolm Gladwell revisits the concept of social epidemics, exploring how modern attempts to manipulate tipping points shape society in both beneficial and unintended ways.
Revenge Of The Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, And The Rise Of Social Engineering
by Malcolm Gladwell • Little, Brown And Company (October 1, 2024) • 11 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 1
This book documents the journey of the McKissack family, who established the foremost Black design and construction firm in the U.S, tracing back to their roots in the mid-1800s, and highlights their significant architectural achievements and the importance of perseverance and vision in shaping their enduring legacy.
The Black Family Who Built America: The Mckissacks, Two Centuries Of Daring Pioneers
by Cheryl Mckissack Daniel With Nick Chiles • Atria/black Privilege Publishing (August 12, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 5
A girl from 1950s Galveston grows into a force of maternal strength and creative vision, navigating love, loss, and legacy while shaping a multigenerational story of resilience and transformation.
Matriarch: A Memoir
by Tina Knowles • One World (April 22, 2025) • 5 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 4
"Uncommon Favor" is a compelling journey through the life of Staley, from her humble origins on a North Philadelphia basketball court to national fame, tackling sexism, isolation, and personal growth to achieve extraordinary success.
Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, And The Life Lessons I Learned From All Three
by Dawn Staley • Atria/black Privilege Publishing (May 20, 2025) • 4 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 3
This book is a deeply profound exploration of America's racial history and its current crisis, presented in the form of a personal letter from a father to his son.
Between The World And Me
by Ta-nehisi Coates • One World (July 14, 2015) • 3 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 1
This compelling biography explores the life and influences of an innovative African-American science fiction writer, highlighting her speculation on the American empire's devolution, and her work's relevance to social movements like Civil Rights, Black Power, women's liberation, queer rights, and Reaganomics.
Positive Obsession: The Life And Times Of Octavia E. Butler
by Susana M. Morris • Amistad Press (August 19, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 5
In three poignant essays, acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates examines the profound influence of stories and myths on our realities and highlights the necessity of confronting difficult truths to liberate ourselves from destructive narratives.
The Message
by Ta-nehisi Coates • One World (October 1, 2024) • 5 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 8
This continent-spanning history reclaims Africa’s rich and complex past by centering African voices, civilizations, and narratives from humanity’s origins to the present day.
An African History Of Africa
by Zeinab Badawi • Mariner Books (January 14, 2025) • 8 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 16
This book invites readers on a journey toward greater happiness, providing tools of emotional self-management and practical ways to cultivate the four pillars of happiness: family, friendship, work, and faith, regardless of circumstances.
Build The Life You Want: The Art And Science Of Getting Happier
by Arthur C. Brooks And Oprah Winfrey • Portfolio (September 12, 2023) • 16 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 1
The book is a compelling account of a Black woman's journey to self-possession and the social barriers she defies in a society that often tries to limit who she is allowed to be, both professionally and personally.
Full Of Myself: Black Womanhood And The Journey To Self-possession
by Austin Channing Brown • Convergent Books (August 26, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 3
<em>The Black History Book</em> is a comprehensive exploration of the African heritage, chronicling notable personalities, movements, and events from early human migrations to modern Black diaspora, illuminating the influence of Black cultures on global art, literature, and music.
The Black History Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained
by David Olusoga • Dk Publishing (dorling Kindersley) (November 23, 2021) • 3 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 1
The book recounts the true story of Edward McCabe, an African American who spearheaded the audacious plan of establishing a state governed by and for Black people within the United States, focusing on his efforts, the rising racial tensions, and the challenges that denied him and his followers from accomplishing their dream.
Black Moses: A Saga Of Ambition And The Fight For A Black State
by Caleb Gayle • Riverhead Books (August 12, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 6
A Hollywood producer shares candid stories and actionable advice drawn from his journey in the film industry to help readers build unshakable confidence and pursue success on their own terms.
Who Better Than You?: The Art Of Healthy Arrogance & Dreaming Big
by Will Packer • Harmony (February 18, 2025) • 6 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 7
Blending personal reflection with cultural history, this exploration traces the emotional and symbolic power of the color blue as it weaves through the experiences, art, and identity of Black life.
Black In Blues: How A Color Tells The Story Of My People
by Imani Perry • Ecco Press (January 28, 2025) • 7 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 12
<em>Power Moves</em> is a transformative guide that empowers individuals to find their authentic selves, relinquish societal expectations, and harness their inner power through faith and continuous growth, ultimately inspiring them to effect change in the world confidently.
Power Moves: Ignite Your Confidence And Become A Force
by Sarah Jakes Roberts • Thomas Nelson (April 30, 2024) • 12 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 16
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story is an enlightening exploration of American history that places slavery and its continuing legacy at the center of the narrative, revealing the profound impact of it on contemporary American society through an intricate blend of historical essays, poems, and works of fiction contributed by renowned scholars, authors, and poets.
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story
by Nikole Hannah-jones • One World (November 16, 2021) • 16 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 8
<em>Self-Care for Black Men</em> is a comprehensive guide offering practical strategies and tools for Black men to navigate societal challenges, nurture their mental health, and cultivate joy, providing an essential roadmap towards wellness and self-discovery in a world beset by racism and trauma.
Self-care For Black Men: 100 Ways To Heal And Liberate
by Jor-el Caraballo • Adams Media (November 7, 2023) • 8 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 10
An entertainer and new mother shares her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and reclaiming personal power through candid reflections on identity, boundaries, and navigating life’s unexpected turns.
Master Of Me: The Secret To Controlling Your Narrative
by Keke Palmer • Flatiron Books (November 19, 2024) • 10 Months on List
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Sales Data Source: Circana BookScan. Represents U.S. print sales from thousands of retailers.
Methodology: Books are categorized and filtered for Black Authors by the African American Literature Book Club. This list is a sneak peek into the Black Book Accelerator initiative.
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