#1
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 9
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) • 9 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 1
In post-emancipation 1889, a young Black boy and his father embark on a perilous race against thousands during the Oklahoma Land Rush, battling brutal challenges and dangerous encounters with the goal to own land and finally achieve the freedom long denied to them.
Will’s Race For Home
by Jewell Parker Rhodes • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (January 14, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 3
This children's book, inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, encourages young girls to aspire towards their dreams, emphasizing the power of curiosity, intelligence, determination, and the importance of parental support in achieving success.
Mae Among The Stars
by Roda Ahmed • Harpercollins (January 9, 2018) • 3 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 12
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) • 12 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 10
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) • 10 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 2
In this inspiring sequel to their New York Times bestselling book, authors Jacqueline Woodson and Rafael López explore the power of imagination and resilience, as two siblings utilize the wisdom of their grandmother to overcome boredom and quarrels, ultimately gaining a greater understanding of their ancestral strength.
The Year We Learned To Fly
by Jacqueline Woodson • Nancy Paulsen Books (January 4, 2022) • 2 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 6
In the aftermath of his unjust death, 12-year-old ghost Jerome, guided by the spirit of Emmett Till, navigates the complexities of racism, history, and loss, while sparking change in the living world through an unlikely connection with the daughter of the police officer who killed him.
Ghost Boys
by Jewell Parker Rhodes • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (September 10, 2019) • 6 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 1
In this young urban fantasy, Jaxon and his friends must break the rules and navigate the streets of Brooklyn to safely deliver mischievous baby dragons to a mystical world, under the guidance of a witch who's not quite his grandmother.
Dragons In A Bag
by Zetta Elliott • Yearling B (August 13, 2019) • 1 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 4
In this inspiring picture book, a young girl embarks on a musical journey, teaching a diverse cast of characters about their power to effect change in the world, their communities, and themselves, brought to life through lyrical prose by Amanda Gorman and vibrant illustrations by Loren Long.
Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem
by Amanda Gorman • Viking Books For Young Readers (September 21, 2021) • 4 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 12
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) • 12 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 1
In the midst of the civil rights movement, the Watson family embarks on a life-changing road trip to Birmingham, Alabama, unaware they are heading towards a pivotal point in American history, uncovering the strength of family and the power of laughter to endure the toughest times.
The Watsons Go To Birmingham—1963
by Christopher Paul Curtis • Yearling B (August 6, 2013) • 1 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 4
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) • 4 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 3
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.
Freewater (newbery & Coretta Scott King Award Winner)
by Amina Luqman-dawson • Jimmy Patterson (August 15, 2023) • 3 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 4
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.
The Secret Library
by Kekla Magoon • Candlewick (May 7, 2024) • 4 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 2
When Jaxon is tasked with delivering baby dragons to a magical world by his surrogate witch-grandmother, he and his friends must remedy their rule-breaking mishaps to ensure the dragons' safety and avoid trapping them in Brooklyn forever.
Dragons In A Bag
by Zetta Elliott • Yearling B (April 2, 2024) • 2 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 4
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) • 4 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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