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BLK Bestsellers List — September 2024

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Nonfiction — September 2024
#1
Months on List: 8
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: 7
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.
#3
Months on List: 8
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: 8
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.
#5
Months on List: 8
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.
#6
Months on List: 8
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.
#7
Months on List: 2
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.
#8
Months on List: 1
by Erica Armstrong Dunbar
Aladdin Paperbacks (August 18, 2020), Trade Paperback
<em>Never Caught</em> is a compelling narrative revealing the untold story of Ona Judge, a slave who defies all odds by escaping the household of George and Martha Washington, risking everything for her freedom.
#9
Months on List: 2
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: 3
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.
#11
Months on List: 1
by Nikki Grimes
Atheneum (August 25, 2020), Hardcover
This is a moving, illustrated biography describing the journey of a daughter of immigrants who becomes the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States, and probable 2024 Presidential candidate, highlighting her passion for freedom and justice.
#12
Months on List: 2
by Michelle Meadows
Henry Holt (December 29, 2020), Hardcover
<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.
#13
Months on List: 6
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.
#14
Months on List: 1
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Harpercollins (November 29, 2016), Hardcover
In the heart of the Civil Rights era and the Space Race, four African-American female mathematicians shatter barriers at NASA, using unequalled intellect and determination to propel America into space, forever transforming the nation and the world of science.
#15
Months on List: 6
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.
#16
Months on List: 1
by Eloise Greenfield
Harpercollins (September 29, 1995), Trade Paperback
This is a narrative about Rosa Parks, her courageous refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955, and how this act sparked the modern Civil Rights Movement.
#17
Months on List: 2
by Ruby Bridges
Orchard Books (September 6, 2022), Hardcover
<em>In </em>I Am Ruby Bridges,<em> six-year-old Ruby recounts her historic journey as the first Black child to integrate an all-white Louisiana school in 1960, magnifying the pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement through her innocent, brave perspective, brought vividly to life through the emotive illustrations of NAACP-nominated artist, Nikkolas Smith.</em>
#18
Months on List: 8
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: 3
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.
#20
Months on List: 7
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.

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.