BLK Bestseller List Logo

BLK Bestsellers List — July 2024

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Fiction — July 2024
#1
Months on List: 4
by Sharon M. Draper
Atheneum (May 1, 2012), Trade Paperback
Born with cerebral palsy, Melody, 10, has never spoken a word. She is a brilliant fifth grader trapped in an uncontrollable body.
#2
Months on List: 1
by Taraji P. Henson
Zonderkidz (June 18, 2024), Hardcover
In this debut picture book by award-winning actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson, children learn to tackle their anxieties about fitting in and celebrate the joy of friendship through authenticity.
#3
Months on List: 6
by Rachel Renée Russell
Aladdin Paperbacks (September 26, 2023), Hardcover
Nikki Maxwell deals with the trials and triumphs of middle school in this fifteenth installment of the Dork Diaries series!
#4
Months on List: 1
by Jerry Craft
Quill Tree Books (February 5, 2019), Trade Paperback
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics.
#5
Months on List: 6
by Rita Williams-garcia
Quill Tree Books (December 27, 2011), Trade Paperback
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.
#6
Months on List: 6
by Vashti Harrison
Little Brown Books For Young Readers (May 2, 2023), Hardcover
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.
#7
Months on List: 6
by Rachel Renée Russell
Aladdin Paperbacks (June 2, 2009), Hardcover
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.
#8
Months on List: 1
by Kekla Magoon
Random House Children's Books (December 3, 2019), Trade Paperback
Two small-town brothers embark on a risky adventure with their enigmatic new neighbor, exchanging small items for bigger ones in pursuit of their wildest dream, until secrets surface that threaten to shatter their bonds and ruin everything.
#9
Months on List: 1
by Debbie Allen
Puffin Books (December 1, 2003), Trade Paperback
A towering, determined girl named Sassy braves ridicule and self-doubt as she auditions for a prestigious summer dance festival in Washington, D.C.
#10
Months on List: 5
by B. B. Alston
Balzer & Bray/harperteen (January 4, 2022), Trade Paperback
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.
#11
Months on List: 2
by Lebron James
Harper (April 2, 2024), Hardcover
This is a motivational children's picture book written in rhyming verse, emphasizing the message that readers can accomplish their goals with self-belief, perfect as a gift for various occasions.
#12
Months on List: 1
by Monica Clark-robinson
Clarion Books (January 2, 2018), Hardcover
A historical account of the 1963 civil rights march by African American children in Birmingham, Alabama, featuring emotive oil-on-canvas paintings and moving, poetic prose.
#13
Months on List: 1
by Mildred D. Taylor
Puffin Books (November 27, 2001), Trade Paperback
In the midst of racial indignities and rural Southern racism during the Depression, a black family finds strength, pride, and resilience through their fierce bond to each other and their cherished land.
#14
Months on List: 2
by Amina Luqman-dawson
Jimmy Patterson (August 15, 2023), Trade Paperback
In this deeply inspiring, award-winning middle-grade novel, two enslaved children embark on a daring escape from a plantation, finding freedom and friendship in a secret swamp society, but must bravely confront a looming threat that endangers their newfound haven and the mother they left behind.
#15
Months on List: 2
by Kekla Magoon
Candlewick (May 7, 2024), Hardcover
An adventurous 11-year-old stumbles upon her grandpa's secret map leading to a time-traveling library, embarking on thrilling adventures while unraveling her family's mysteries and grappling with a destiny preordained by her demanding single mother.
#16
Months on List: 4
by Christopher Paul Curtis
Yearling B (September 8, 1997), Trade Paperback
On their 25th anniversary road trip to Birmingham, Alabama, during a pivotal time in the civil rights movement, the Watson family unknowingly head towards one of America's darkest moments, learning the power of laughter and family amidst adversity.
#17
Months on List: 4
by Mildred D. Taylor
Puffin Books (April 12, 2004), Trade Paperback
In the midst of the Depression-era Mississippi, young Cassie Logan navigates racism and social injustice as she learns the significance of land ownership to her family's pride and independence, while discovering her own inner strength and self-respect.
#18
Months on List: 1
by Sharon G. Flake
Little Brown Books For Young Readers (October 16, 2018), Trade Paperback
A bullied girl finds strength in her unique identity through the lessons of her new teacher who unabashedly embraces her own skin condition.
#19
Months on List: 6
by Amanda Gorman
Viking Books For Young Readers (September 26, 2023), Hardcover
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.
#20
Months on List: 5
by Matthew A. Cherry
Kokila (August 29, 2023), Board Books
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.

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.