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BLK Bestsellers List — February 2024

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Nonfiction — February 2024
#1
Months on List: 1
by Lavaille Lavette
Golden Books (January 3, 2023), Hardcover
This is the biography of an American singer, rising from humble beginnings in Texas, through her time as lead singer of one of the best-selling girl groups, to becoming an inspirational superstar and role model.
#2
Months on List: 1
by Frank Berrios
Golden Books (August 2, 2022), Hardcover
Introduce preschoolers to remarkable historical figures, including the inspiring Barack Obama, through a series of engaging and educational Little Golden Book biographies specifically designed for young learners.
#3
Months on List: 1
by Sherri L. Smith
Penguin Young Readers Group (December 29, 2020), Trade Paperback
The book offers an in-depth look at the struggle for equality during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s, using personal narratives and historical illustrations to illuminate this pivotal period in American history.
#4
Months on List: 1
by Jason Reynolds
Atheneum (October 3, 2023), Hardcover
The book explores the influence of a renowned African American author on succeeding writers, using the backdrop of a 1991 celebration at a major cultural center in New York City.
#5
Months on List: 1
by Rio Cortez
Workman Publishing (December 8, 2020), Hardcover
<em>The ABCs of Black History</em> is a captivating journey through the highs and lows of Black history and culture, revealing significant moments, influential figures, and powerful themes, all artfully framed within the format of an alphabetic guide.
#6
Months on List: 1
by Roberta Edwards
Penguin Workshop (December 24, 2009), Trade Paperback
The book explores the journey of a Harvard Law School graduate who made remarkable strides in legislation, civil rights law, and eventually ascended to the position of the forty-fourth president of the United States.
#7
Months on List: 1
by Yolanda Renee King
Orchard Books (January 2, 2024), Hardcover
A heartfelt tribute from Martin Luther King Jr.&rsquo;s granddaughter, inspiring young readers to honor his legacy while forging their own path toward justice and change.
#8
Months on List: 1
by Vashti Harrison
Little Brown Books For Young Readers (December 5, 2017), Hardcover
<em>Little Leaders</em> is a beautifully illustrated, inspiring book featuring the life stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history who defied societal norms, broke barriers, and inspired future generations with their extraordinary actions and achievements.
#9
Months on List: 1
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Harpercollins (November 29, 2016), Trade Paperback
This book tells the true story of four African-American female mathematicians at NASA who significantly contributed to several crucial moments in the space program with their mathematical calculations.
#10
Months on List: 1
by Crystal Hubbard
Penguin Workshop (February 7, 2023), Trade Paperback
This book chronicles the life of a boy from Ohio who became an international basketball superstar, winning numerous championships, earning two Olympic gold medals, and achieving success in other fields like writing and acting.
#11
Months on List: 1
by Janay Brown-wood
Golden Books (December 6, 2022), Hardcover
A child-friendly introduction to Harriet Tubman’s courageous life and work, highlighting her role in the Underground Railroad and her fight for freedom.
#12
Months on List: 1
by Sonya Renee Taylor
Rockridge Press (May 29, 2018), Trade Paperback
A comprehensive, body-positive guide that empowers young girls to confidently navigate puberty, providing practical advice on physical changes, emotional management, social relations, and self-care routines.
#13
Months on List: 1
by Vashti Harrison
Lb Kids (October 16, 2018), Board Books
<em>Dream Big, Little One</em> is a captivating board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, spotlighting 18 groundbreaking black women who have powerfully influenced American history and inspiring young readers to dream without limits and make their own positive impact on the world.
#14
Months on List: 1
by Jacqueline Woodson
Nancy Paulsen Books (October 11, 2016), Trade Paperback
In her evocative memoir told through poetry, Jacqueline Woodson navigates her dual identity growing up in the racially charged 1960s and 1970s South Carolina and New York, capturing her struggle with literacy, discovery of the joy of story-writing, and her journey to self-awareness amidst the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement.
#15
Months on List: 1
by Alliah L. Agostini
Golden Books (November 7, 2023), Hardcover
This is a child-friendly biography about the influential talk show host, successful producer, and inspiring actor, Oprah Winfrey.
#16
Months on List: 1
by Zora Neale Hurston And Adapted By Ibram X. Kendi
Amistad Books For Young Readers (January 23, 2024), Hardcover
In this illuminating middle grade adaptation by Zora Neale Hurston and Ibram X. Kendi, young readers journey through the true-life story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last survivors of the Atlantic human trade, who recounts his harrowing experiences, offering a unique historical perspective complemented by powerful illustrations.
#17
Months on List: 1
by Christine Platt
Rockridge Press (June 30, 2020), Trade Paperback
A kid-friendly biography of Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting his journey from a young learner to a civil rights leader who fought for equality through peaceful protest.
#18
Months on List: 1
by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Anne Schwartz Books (October 9, 2012), Hardcover
A powerful presentation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s renowned speech, enhanced with poignant artwork that illuminates the civil rights leader's extraordinary vision.
#19
Months on List: 1
by Crystal Hubbard
Penguin Workshop (December 5, 2023), Trade Paperback
This book provides an educational exploration of the life and career of a notable civil rights activist who played essential roles in historic events like the 1963 March of Washington and the Freedom Rides, and went on to serve seventeen terms in the House of Representatives.
#20
Months on List: 1
by Jason Reynolds
Little Brown Books For Young Readers (May 11, 2021), Hardcover
A kid-friendly exploration of American racism and antiracism history, guiding young readers on a journey from past to present, to understand the origin of racism, its impact today, and the heroes who fight against it, and teaching them how to recognize and eliminate racist thoughts in their own lives.

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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