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BLK Bestsellers List — April 2024

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Nonfiction — April 2024
#1
Months on List: 3
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.
#2
Months on List: 3
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.
#3
Months on List: 3
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.
#4
Months on List: 3
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.
#5
Months on List: 3
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.
#6
Months on List: 3
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.
#7
Months on List: 2
by Vashti Harrison
Little Brown Books For Young Readers (December 12, 2023), Board Books
A beautifully illustrated, bestselling children's book collection introduces young readers to trailblazing Black leaders, thinkers, and dreamers, inspiring them to dream big and envision themselves as future leaders.
#8
Months on List: 3
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.
#9
Months on List: 3
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.
#10
Months on List: 3
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.
#11
Months on List: 3
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.
#12
Months on List: 3
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.
#13
Months on List: 3
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.
#14
Months on List: 2
by Nikole Hannah-jones And Renée Watson
Kokila (November 16, 2021), Hardcover
In this stunning picture book, a young student delves into her family's ancestral past, tracing their journey from Africa to America, their resilience in surviving slavery, and their enduring spirit of hope, portrayed through lyrical verses by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Nikole Hannah-Jones and Newbery honor-winning Renée Watson, adorned with striking illustrations by Nikkolas Smith.
#15
Months on List: 1
by Sherri L. Smith
Penguin Workshop (August 7, 2018), Trade Paperback
In the midst of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen—an exceptional group of African American pilots—bravely battle prejudice and segregation at home while proving their skills on the European front, forever transforming the US military.
#16
Months on List: 2
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Harpercollins (January 16, 2018), Hardcover
This inspirational picture book tells the true story of four brilliant African American women who overcame racial and gender barriers, using their mathematical genius to help NASA successfully launch the first men into space.
#17
Months on List: 1
by Maurice Ashley
Magic Cat (April 2, 2024), Hardcover
This book is a child-friendly introduction to chess, provided by the world's first Black Grandmaster, which includes step-by-step illustrations of skills, and motivational tips.
#18
Months on List: 1
by Hill Harper
Avery Publishing Group (May 1, 2007), Trade Paperback
In this powerful compilation of inspiring letters, the author uses his experiences as a motivational speaker to redefine success for young men, guiding them toward educational achievements, self-respect, and community involvement amidst today's misleading media portrayals.
#19
Months on List: 2
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.
#20
Months on List: 1
by Kwame Alexander
Versify (April 2, 2019), Hardcover
An award-winning author celebrates black American history and resilience through a powerful poem, adorned with significant historical references and inspirational art, highlighting the trials of slavery, the spirit of the civil rights movement, and the triumphs of iconic heroes.

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.