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BLK Bestsellers List — July 2024

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Nonfiction — July 2024
#1
Months on List: 6
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: 4
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.
#3
Months on List: 6
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: 6
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.
#5
Months on List: 2
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.
#6
Months on List: 6
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.
#7
Months on List: 6
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.
#8
Months on List: 5
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.
#9
Months on List: 2
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.
#10
Months on List: 2
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: 1
by Belinda Rochelle
Puffin Books (February 1, 1997), Trade Paperback
A compelling account of young Blacks' experiences in key civil rights events such as Brown vs. Board of Education, the Montgomery bus boycott, and the sit-in movement.
#12
Months on List: 2
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.
#13
Months on List: 6
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.
#14
Months on List: 1
by Kadir Nelson
Balzer & Bray/harperteen (December 23, 2013), Trade Paperback
<em>Heart and Soul</em> is a poignant and inspiring exploration of America and African Americans' history, told through the intimate narrative of a 100-year-old African-American woman, unveiling the courage, struggle, and triumphs that led to their freedom and equal rights, ultimately shaping the nation's commitment to liberty and justice.
#15
Months on List: 1
by Yolanda Gladden
Harpercollins (January 11, 2022), Hardcover
The book is an autobiographical account of a young African American girl's lived experience during the closure of public schools in Farmville, Virginia, following the historic civil rights case Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, highlighting the unlawful racial discrimination and the communal triumph over adversity.
#16
Months on List: 1
by Dorena Williamson
Worthykids (May 3, 2022), Board Books
This children's board book introduces young readers to the origins and contemporary celebrations of Juneteenth, a holiday marking the end of slavery in America.
#17
Months on List: 1
by Troy Andrews
Abrams Books For Young Readers (April 14, 2015), Hardcover
This is a story of a headlining musician's journey starting from his childhood in Tremé to becoming a bandleader at the tender age of six.
#18
Months on List: 6
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.
#19
Months on List: 5
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: 3
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.

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.