#1
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 1
In a war-torn supernatural world, young investigator Amari must outsmart her enemies, harness the power of dangerous magical Wonders, and make unimaginable sacrifices to restore peace and protect the realm of magic.
Amari And The Despicable Wonders
by B. B. Alston • Balzer & Bray/harperteen (August 27, 2024) • 1 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 2
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.
New Kid (paperback)
by Jerry Craft • Quill Tree Books (February 5, 2019) • 2 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 6
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.
Roll Of Thunder, Hear My Cry
by Mildred D. Taylor • Puffin Books (April 12, 2004) • 6 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 3
This is a reassuring tale of a little boy's first day in kindergarten, filled with anticipation and infectious enthusiasm, as he sees himself as a king, ready to conquer the new experiences and challenges that await him.
The King Of Kindergarten
by Derrick Barnes • Nancy Paulsen Books (July 2, 2019) • 3 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 6
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.
The Watsons Go To Birmingham—1963
by Christopher Paul Curtis • Yearling B (September 8, 1997) • 6 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 3
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.
You Can Be A Good Friend (no Matter What!): A Lil Tj Book
by Taraji P. Henson • Zonderkidz (June 18, 2024) • 3 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 3
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.
I Am More Than
by Lebron James • Harper (April 2, 2024) • 3 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 2
In this uplifting sequel to The King of Kindergarten, spunky MJ embarks on her first day of school, armed with confidence, her mom's special tiara, and a bundle of skills that will help her thrive in Kindergarten.
The Queen Of Kindergarten
by Derrick Barnes • Nancy Paulsen Books (May 24, 2022) • 2 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 3
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.
Roll Of Thunder, Hear My Cry
by Mildred D. Taylor • Puffin Books (November 27, 2001) • 3 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 2
In this heartwarming middle-grade series opener, young Ryan Hart navigates school, self-image, and family adjustments with unyielding spirit and sunshine, demonstrating her unique ability to find light in challenging circumstances and embody kindness amidst change.
Ways To Make Sunshine
by Renée Watson • Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (April 27, 2021) • 2 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 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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