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BLK Bestsellers List — May 2024

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Nonfiction — May 2024
#1
Months on List: 4
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.
#1
Months on List: 4
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: 4
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.
#4
Months on List: 4
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.
#4
Months on List: 4
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.
#6
Months on List: 4
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.
#6
Months on List: 1
by Nikki Grimes
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (August 4, 2020), Trade Paperback
This is a collection of original poems, crafted using "The Golden Shovel" poetic method, inspired by Harlem Renaissance-era poets, paired with unique art from contemporary African American illustrators, providing emotional, thought-provoking content with relevance for modern readers.
#8
Months on List: 4
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.
#9
Months on List: 1
by Jason Reynolds And Ibram X. Kendi
Little Brown Books For Young Readers (April 9, 2024), Trade Paperback
In this powerful adaptation of the bestseller Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, young readers journey through the history of racism and its opposition in America, guided by the research of Ibram X. Kendi and the writing of Jason Reynolds and Sonja Cherry-Paul, learning to recognize and combat racist ideas in their own lives.
#10
Months on List: 2
by Arlisha Norwood
Rockridge Press (May 24, 2022), Trade Paperback
A kid-friendly introduction to Juneteenth, exploring its history, significance, and lasting impact through engaging storytelling and illustrations.
#11
Months on List: 4
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 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.
#13
Months on List: 4
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.
#14
Months on List: 2
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.
#15
Months on List: 1
by Atinuke
Candlewick (November 16, 2021), Hardcover
In <em>Africa, Amazing Africa,</em> Nigerian storyteller Atinuke offers a vibrant and comprehensive exploration of all fifty-five African countries, delving into their geography, cultures, histories, and distinctive attributes, enriched by debut artist Mouni Feddag's colorful illustrations.
#16
Months on List: 2
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.
#17
Months on List: 2
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.
#18
Months on List: 1
by Alliah L. Agostini
Becker & Mayer (June 17, 2022), Trade Paperback
The book is an illustrated historical journey for children, chronicling how Juneteenth evolved from its inception in 1865 to becoming a national holiday in 2021.
#19
Months on List: 3
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.
#20
Months on List: 1
by Vashti Harrison
Lb Kids (October 1, 2019), Board Books
This beautifully illustrated board book introduces young readers to eighteen visionary women from various fields, inspiring them to pursue their own dreams and make a difference in the world.

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.