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BLK Bestsellers List — June 2024

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Nonfiction — June 2024
#1
Months on List: 5
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: 5
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.
#3
Months on List: 5
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.
#4
Months on List: 5
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.
#5
Months on List: 5
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.
#6
Months on List: 1
by Angela Joy
Roaring Brook Press (September 6, 2022), Hardcover
<em>Choosing Brave</em> is a poignant picture book biography that reveals how Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of brutally murdered Emmett Till, transforms her crippling grief into a powerful catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement.
#7
Months on List: 5
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.
#8
Months on List: 3
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.
#9
Months on List: 1
by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
Anne Schwartz Books (January 7, 2020), Hardcover
This inspiring biography chronicles the remarkable life of Mary Walker, a former slave who, overcoming immense obstacles, learned to read at the age of 116, showcasing the timeless message that it's never too late to learn.
#10
Months on List: 1
by Alice Faye Duncan
Tommy Nelson (January 11, 2022), Hardcover
<em>Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free</em> is an inspiring children's book highlighting the life and work of Black activist Opal Lee, her fight for national recognition of Juneteenth, and imparting the values of equality, bravery, and persistence to young readers.
#11
Months on List: 4
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.
#12
Months on List: 1
by Kadir Nelson
Little Brown Books For Young Readers (January 8, 2008), Hardcover
This book delves into the history of the Negro League, exploring the struggles and triumphs of players set against the backdrop of social and political change in the first half of the 20th century.
#13
Months on List: 5
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: 1
by Kirsti Jewel
Penguin Workshop (April 5, 2022), Trade Paperback
This book explores the history and significance of Juneteenth, a holiday marking the end of slavery in the United States, through stories of past and present celebrations, complemented by illustrations and photographs.
#15
Months on List: 5
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.
#16
Months on List: 4
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.
#17
Months on List: 1
by Eric Adjepong
Penguin Workshop (October 3, 2023), Hardcover
In <em>Sankofa,</em> a young first-generation Ghanaian American boy embarks on a culinary journey back 400 years, guided by his grandfather, to reconnect with his African heritage and find his identity in America through understanding his family's resilient history intertwined with food.
#18
Months on List: 1
by Sarah Warren
Lee & Low Books (September 6, 2022), Hardcover
<em>Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice</em> is an inspiring biography charting the life and career of Stacey Abrams, highlighting her passion for voting rights and advocacy, set against the backdrop of the continually evolving voting laws in the US.
#19
Months on List: 5
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.
#20
Months on List: 1
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Little Bee Books (January 8, 2019), Hardcover
This vibrant, rhyming picture book explores the deep roots of rap and hip-hop, tracing its evolution from folktales and spirituals to a cultural movement that encompasses graffiti art, break dancing, and influences music worldwide, brought to life through the award-winning words of Carole Boston Weatherford and artwork of Frank Morrison.

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.