#1
Months on List: 14
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) • 14 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 27
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) • 27 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 2
At Carver Elementary, newcomer Gavin must conquer a schoolyard bully, an irritating big sister, and an uncontrollable Pomeranian to prove his soccer and skateboarding prowess.
Dog Days
by Karen English • Clarion Books (October 14, 2014) • 2 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 24
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) • 24 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 24
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) • 24 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 24
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) • 24 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 23
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) • 23 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 29
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) • 29 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 29
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) • 29 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 1
In a world where basketballs have mysteriously lost their ability to bounce, a group of determined friends sets out on an adventure to restore the joy of the game.
Baby Dunks-a-lot The Day The Basketballs Stopped Bouncing
by Jayson Tatum And Sam Apple • Abrams Books For Young Readers (July 7, 2026) • 1 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 12
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) • 12 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 10
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) • 10 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 26
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) • 26 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 4
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) • 4 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 7
Two ten-year-olds face the choice of uniting their imaginative skills to form an unstoppable team and win their school's esteemed storytelling contest.
J Vs. K
by Kwame Alexander And Jerry Craft • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (May 6, 2025) • 7 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 20
This sequel provides a humorous and visually appealing look into the life of a girl on the verge of becoming a teenager.
Dork Diaries 2: Tales From A Not-so-popular Party Girl
by Rachel Renée Russell • Aladdin Paperbacks (June 8, 2010) • 20 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 2
In this uplifting New York Times bestseller, a spirited little boy embarks on his exciting first day of kindergarten, facing new experiences with a contagious zeal and imparting a message of optimism for young readers starting their own academic journey.
King Of Kindergarten (paperback)
by Derrick Barnes • Nancy Paulsen Books (April 22, 2025) • 2 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 11
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) • 11 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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