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BLK Bestsellers List — May 2026

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Adult Nonfiction (Hardcover) — May 2026
#1
Months on List: 1
by Sheinelle Jones
G.p. Putnam's Sons (April 14, 2026), Hardcover
This book offers a heartfelt exploration of motherhood through the wisdom of celebrity moms, sharing valuable insights on parenting, love, and resilience while balancing career demands and family life.
#2
Months on List: 28
by Michael Harriot
Dey Street Books (September 19, 2023), Hardcover
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.
#3
Months on List: 8
by Kamala Harris
Simon & Schuster (September 23, 2025), Hardcover
When the sitting president bows out just 107 days before the election, the vice president must navigate chaos, conviction, and history itself in a race that will define a nation.
#4
Months on List: 11
by Dawn Staley
Atria/black Privilege Publishing (May 20, 2025), Hardcover
"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.
#5
Months on List: 2
by Geoff Bennett
Harper (March 24, 2026), Hardcover
This retrospective examines the evolution of Black comedy in America, highlighting its influential comedians and iconic television shows that redefined humor and cultural representation while challenging racial stereotypes.
#6
Months on List: 6
by Michelle Obama
Crown (November 4, 2025), Hardcover
This book provides an in-depth look at a noteworthy political figure's style evolution, emphasizing how her fashion choices amplified her message and enhanced her confidence, featuring insights from her trusted team and the designers who dressed her for significant events.
#7
Months on List: 4
by Iyanla Vanzant
Atria Books (December 30, 2025), Hardcover
This book provides a guide to spiritual hygiene, a practice of conscious daily care for mental, emotional, and spiritual health, teaching readers how to release toxic patterns, develop sacred boundaries, deal with trauma, reconnect with divine purpose, and see sorrow, grief, and loss as portals to deeper wisdom.
#8
Months on List: 6
by Nia Sioux
Harper Horizon (November 4, 2025), Hardcover
A memoir of a young dancer who, while struggling with abuse and stereotyping on a reality TV show, learns to rise above negativity and redefine her own success.
#9
Months on List: 1
by Keisha Lance Bottoms
Mariner Books (April 21, 2026), Hardcover
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#10
Months on List: 1
by 2 Chainz
Atria/black Privilege Publishing (March 3, 2026), Hardcover
This memoir chronicles the journey of a man from a challenging childhood in Georgia through struggles with self-doubt and criminal influences, ultimately discovering his purpose through faith, music, and the guidance of key mentors.
#11
Months on List: 1
by Melvin Gibbs
Basic Books (April 14, 2026), Hardcover
This exploration delves into the profound impact of African rhythmic structures on global music, tracing how Black musical heritage has shaped various genres and resonated through the works of iconic artists.
#12
Months on List: 3
by Namwali Serpell
Hogarth Press (February 17, 2026), Hardcover
A critical exploration of a major American writer’s body of work that examines her innovations in literary form while offering guidance on how to read and interpret complex literature.
#13
Months on List: 24
by Arthur C. Brooks And Oprah Winfrey
Portfolio (September 12, 2023), Hardcover
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.
#14
Months on List: 5
by Cheryl Mckissack Daniel With Nick Chiles
Atria/black Privilege Publishing (August 12, 2025), Hardcover
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.
#15
Months on List: 2
by Fab 5 Freddy
Viking (March 10, 2026), Hardcover
This memoir chronicles the life of a groundbreaking cultural figure whose bold artistic expressions transformed the realms of art, music, and fashion.
#16
Months on List: 2
by William Jelani Cobb
One World (October 14, 2025), Hardcover
The book is a collection of dispatches portraying the last tumultuous decade of American history, highlighting social movements and their respective backlashes, through critical and narrative journalism.
#17
Months on List: 9
by Tricia Hersey
Little, Brown Spark (October 11, 2022), Hardcover
In <em>Rest Is Resistance,</em> the founder of The Nap Ministry combines spiritual teachings, activism, and Afrofuturism to urge readers to defy capitalist pressures and reclaim power through rest, providing practical guidance for those seeking liberation from the exhausting demands of Grind Culture.
#18
Months on List: 1
by Ashanté M. Reese
W. W. Norton & Company (April 14, 2026), Hardcover
This book explores the concept of food justice through the lens of Black culinary traditions and emphasizes the importance of community gatherings in driving meaningful societal change.
#19
Months on List: 15
by Jor-el Caraballo
Adams Media (November 7, 2023), Hardcover
<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.
#20
Months on List: 7
by Allen Iverson
Gallery/13a (October 7, 2025), Hardcover
This is a memoir of an esteemed basketball player, recounting a journey from poverty-stricken beginnings to basketball stardom, and his role as a trailblazer in merging lifestyle, culture and sports.

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.