#1
Months on List: 3
Nikki Maxwell deals with the trials and triumphs of middle school in this fifteenth installment of the Dork Diaries series!
Dork Diaries 15: Tales From A Not-so-posh Paris Adventure
by Rachel Renée Russell • Aladdin Paperbacks (September 26, 2023) • 3 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 1
Born with cerebral palsy, Melody, 10, has never spoken a word. She is a brilliant fifth grader trapped in an uncontrollable body.
Out Of My Mind
by Sharon M. Draper • Atheneum (May 1, 2012) • 1 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 3
A young girl, once lauded for her maturity, battles societal pressure and criticism regarding her size, ultimately learning to embrace her uniqueness and discover true self-love.
Big
by Vashti Harrison • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (May 2, 2023) • 3 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 2
<em>Becoming Muhammad Ali</em> is a vivid biographical novel by Kwame Alexander and James Patterson that portrays the childhood struggles, experiences, and early boxing career of cultural icon Muhammad Ali, beautifully illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile.
Becoming Muhammad Ali
by James Patterson And Kwame Alexander • Jimmy Patterson (May 3, 2022) • 2 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 1
When eight-year-old J.D. unexpectedly transforms a disastrous home haircut into a thriving personal barbershop, he must face off against the town's established barber in a high-stakes battle to determine who is the best barber in all of Meridian, Mississippi.
J.d. And The Great Barber Battle
by J. Dillard • Kokila (February 23, 2021) • 1 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 1
Three underprivileged boys from Newark, New Jersey, rise above their harsh environment and potential life of crime to become successful doctors, demonstrating the power of determination, support and a shared dream.
We Beat The Street: How A Friendship Pact Led To Success
by Sampson Davis, George Jenkins And Rameck Hunt • Puffin Books (April 20, 2006) • 1 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 1
A determined young boy named Jabari, must overcome his fears and find the courage to take a leap off the diving board, motivated by his encouraging father, in this touching tale of bravery and growth.
Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall • Candlewick (May 9, 2017) • 1 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 3
A picture book that reminds us that tomorrow's success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.
I Promise
by Lebron James • Harpercollins (August 11, 2020) • 3 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 3
In the inspiring picture book, <em>Something, Someday,</em> by acclaimed presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and award-winning illustrator Christian Robinson, readers are shown how even the smallest actions can create meaningful change in a world that often feels broken.
Something, Someday
by Amanda Gorman • Viking Books For Young Readers (September 26, 2023) • 3 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 1
In the aftermath of his brother's gang-related death, twelve-year-old Lolly finds solace and a means to navigate his life in Harlem's projects through the creative and therapeutic power of building a fantastical Lego city.
The Stars Beneath Our Feet
by David Barclay Moore • Random House Children's Books (January 8, 2019) • 1 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 3
In this humorous and heartwarming diary-style narrative, eighth-grader Nikki Maxwell navigates the challenges of a new school, balancing friendships, crushes, family antics, and a riveting rivalry in a school-wide art competition.
Dork Diaries 1: Tales From A Not-so-fabulous Life
by Rachel Renée Russell • Aladdin Paperbacks (June 2, 2009) • 3 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 3
In the heartwarming picture book <em>Hair Love,</em> a black father must overcome the challenge of styling his daughter's unruly hair for a special occasion, fostering a bond of love and self-acceptance between them, penned by Academy-Award winning director Matthew A. Cherry and bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.
Hair Love
by Matthew A. Cherry • Kokila (May 14, 2019) • 3 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 1
In this thought-provoking sequel to <em>New Kid,</em> Drew, a young student of color at an elite prep school, grapples with privilege, race, and friendship as he struggles to bridge the social divide and find acceptance within himself and his peers.
Class Act A Graphic Novel
by Jerry Craft • Quill Tree Books (October 6, 2020) • 1 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 3
This is an alphabet board book that takes young readers on a journey through the beauty and diversity of Black hair, from Afros to Waves, while teaching them their ABCs.
Hair Love Abcs
by Matthew A. Cherry • Kokila (August 29, 2023) • 3 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 3
Three sisters journey from Brooklyn to Oakland to reconnect with their estranged poet mother, only to find themselves enrolled in a Black Panther summer camp.
One Crazy Summer
by Rita Williams-garcia • Quill Tree Books (December 27, 2011) • 3 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 2
When Amari Peters discovers a nomination for a supernatural tryout in her missing brother's belongings, she embarks on a challenging journey in a world of magic and aliens, battling evil forces and prejudice to find him.
Amari And The Night Brothers
by B. B. Alston • Balzer & Bray/harperteen (January 4, 2022) • 2 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 2
In the wake of their father's death, middle-schooler Lucy challenges her popular eighth-grade sister GiGi to a high-stakes fencing duel, risking school trouble and potential family fracture as they navigate tricky alliances and regain their gripping form, in a heartwarming tale of rivalry, resilience, and sisterhood.
Duel
by Jessixa Bagley • Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (November 7, 2023) • 2 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 1
When competitive student and STEM enthusiast Miles Lewis prepares to excel in the annual Fun Run at Brookside Elementary, he must choose between striving for his personal best and helping a struggling friend, forcing him to redefine his understanding of victory.
Track Star #4
by Kelly Starling Lyons • Penguin Workshop (August 29, 2023) • 1 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 2
A rhythmic and tender board book celebrating a mother’s love and devotion, featuring a warm and whimsical portrayal of an African American family.
Brown Sugar Baby
by Kevin Lewis • Cottage Door Press (March 15, 2022) • 2 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 1
When a middle schooler is cursed by her fairy godmother to only tell the truth, she must navigate the challenges of school, friendship, and parental expectations while learning the importance and freedom of honesty.
Honest June
by Tina Wells • Random House Books For Young Readers (December 28, 2021) • 1 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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