#1
Months on List: 3
A gifted young runner aspires to be the best in his middle school's track team, but his ambitions are tested by a violent past with his father.
Ghost (paperback)
by Jason Reynolds • Atheneum (August 29, 2017) • 3 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 2
This is a touching story about fostering courage to connect with others when feeling scared and alone, with beautiful illustrations, showcasing the bravery of stepping into unfamiliar places and sharing personal stories to feel less like outsiders.
The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson • Nancy Paulsen Books (August 28, 2018) • 2 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 4
When 11-year-old Dally, predestined to inherit her family business, discovers a magical library where every book is a portal to a specific point in time, she embarks on thrilling adventures that reveal her family's hidden past and force her to choose between a life of strict routine or uncontrolled excitement.
Secret Library (paperback)
by Kekla Magoon • Candlewick (May 6, 2025) • 4 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 14
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) • 14 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 15
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) • 15 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 18
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) • 18 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 18
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) • 18 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 2
A Brooklyn girl spends her summer on Martha's Vineyard, trying to fit in, learn about Black history, and unravel the mystery behind a local teenage boy's shocking death.
Blood In The Water
by Tiffany D. Jackson • Scholastic Press (July 1, 2025) • 2 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 3
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) • 3 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 4
A bullied girl finds strength in her unique identity through the lessons of her new teacher who unabashedly embraces her own skin condition.
The Skin I’m In
by Sharon G. Flake • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (October 16, 2018) • 4 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 3
The book features excerpts from two stories exploring courage and the supernatural.
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told In Ten Blocks (paperback)
by Jason Reynolds • Atheneum (October 27, 2020) • 3 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 17
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) • 17 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 9
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) • 9 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 19
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) • 19 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 1
When shy Leo starts his first day of Kindergarten uncertain of how to show kindness, he surprisingly becomes the inspiration for his class’s kindness pledge through his simple yet thoughtful acts, transforming their classroom into a <em>KINDergarten.</em>
Kindergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day
by Vera Ahiyya • Random House Studio (June 21, 2022) • 1 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 3
A girl with cerebral palsy aims to overcome her fear of horses at a summer camp.
Out Of My Heart (paperback)
by Sharon M. Draper • Atheneum (April 9, 2024) • 3 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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