#1
Months on List: 5
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.
Brown Girl Dreaming
by Jacqueline Woodson • Nancy Paulsen Books (October 11, 2016) • 5 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 5
<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.
Dream Big, Little Leader
by Vashti Harrison • Lb Kids (October 16, 2018) • 5 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 5
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.
Who Is Lebron James?
by Crystal Hubbard • Penguin Workshop (February 7, 2023) • 5 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 5
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.
Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!): The Ultimate Puberty Book For Girls
by Sonya Renee Taylor • Rockridge Press (May 29, 2018) • 5 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 5
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.
Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition
by Margot Lee Shetterly • Harpercollins (November 29, 2016) • 5 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 1
<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.
Choosing Brave: How Mamie Till-mobley And Emmett Till Sparked The Civil Rights Movement
by Angela Joy • Roaring Brook Press (September 6, 2022) • 1 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 5
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.
Beyonce: A Little Golden Book Biography
by Lavaille Lavette • Golden Books (January 3, 2023) • 5 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 3
A kid-friendly introduction to Juneteenth, exploring its history, significance, and lasting impact through engaging storytelling and illustrations.
The History Of Juneteenth: A History Book For New Readers
by Arlisha Norwood • Rockridge Press (May 24, 2022) • 3 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 1
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.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read
by Rita Lorraine Hubbard • Anne Schwartz Books (January 7, 2020) • 1 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 1
<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.
Opal Lee And What It Means To Be Free: The True Story Of The Grandmother Of Juneteenth
by Alice Faye Duncan • Tommy Nelson (January 11, 2022) • 1 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 4
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.
Hidden Figures: The True Story Of Four Black Women And The Space Race
by Margot Lee Shetterly • Harpercollins (January 16, 2018) • 4 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 1
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.
We Are The Ship: The Story Of Negro League Baseball
by Kadir Nelson • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (January 8, 2008) • 1 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 5
<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.
Little Leaders: Bold Women In Black History
by Vashti Harrison • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (December 5, 2017) • 5 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 1
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.
What Is Juneteenth?
by Kirsti Jewel • Penguin Workshop (April 5, 2022) • 1 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 5
<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.
The Abcs Of Black History
by Rio Cortez • Workman Publishing (December 8, 2020) • 5 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 4
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.
Born On The Water: The 1619 Project
by Nikole Hannah-jones And Renée Watson • Kokila (November 16, 2021) • 4 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 1
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.
Sankofa: A Culinary Story Of Resilience And Belonging
by Eric Adjepong • Penguin Workshop (October 3, 2023) • 1 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 1
<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.
Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice
by Sarah Warren • Lee & Low Books (September 6, 2022) • 1 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 5
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.
There Was A Party For Langston
by Jason Reynolds • Atheneum (October 3, 2023) • 5 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 1
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.
The Roots Of Rap: 16 Bars On The 4 Pillars Of Hip-hop
by Carole Boston Weatherford • Little Bee Books (January 8, 2019) • 1 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.
