#1
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 7
<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) • 7 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 2
<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.
Heart And Soul: The Story Of America And African Americans
by Kadir Nelson • Balzer & Bray/harperteen (December 23, 2013) • 2 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 1
<em>Flying High</em> traces the inspiring journey of Olympic champion Simone Biles, from her challenging beginnings in foster care to becoming the world's greatest gymnast, supported by the unwavering love of her adoptive family and her boundless passion for gymnastics.
Flying High: The Story Of Gymnastics Champion Simone Biles
by Michelle Meadows • Henry Holt (December 29, 2020) • 1 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 7
<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) • 7 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 6
<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) • 6 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 4
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.
What Is The Civil Rights Movement?
by Sherri L. Smith • Penguin Young Readers Group (December 29, 2020) • 4 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 1
<em>Harlem Grown</em> is an inspiring true story about how one man, with the help of underprivileged school students, transforms an abandoned lot into a thriving urban farm, teaching lessons on teamwork, environmental sustainability, and providing free healthy food for a neighborhood, all beautifully depicted by lively and intricate folk-art illustrations.
Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed A Neighborhood
by Tony Hillery • Paula Wiseman Books (August 18, 2020) • 1 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 2
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.
One Last Word: Wisdom From The Harlem Renaissance
by Nikki Grimes • Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (August 4, 2020) • 2 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 3
<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) • 3 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 3
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.
Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, And You
by Jason Reynolds • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (May 11, 2021) • 3 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 1
This work highlights the significant contributions and achievements of exceptional Black men throughout history.
Follow Your Dreams, Little One
by Vashti Harrison • Lb Kids (September 29, 2020) • 1 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 1
This is a historical narrative about the life of emperor Mansa Musa and the medieval Malian empire, richly accompanied by photographs, sketches, and maps.
Mansa Musa And The Empire Of Mali
by P. James Oliver • Createspace Independent Publishing Platform (March 26, 2013) • 1 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 2
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.
Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, And You
by Jason Reynolds And Ibram X. Kendi • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (April 9, 2024) • 2 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.
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