#1
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 8
<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) • 8 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 2
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.
Witnesses To Freedom: Young People Who Fought For Civil Rights
by Belinda Rochelle • Puffin Books (February 1, 1997) • 2 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 1
<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.
Never Caught, The Story Of Ona Judge: George And Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared To Run Away; Young Readers Edition (reprint)
by Erica Armstrong Dunbar • Aladdin Paperbacks (August 18, 2020) • 1 Months on List
#9
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
#10
Months on List: 3
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) • 3 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 1
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.
Kamala Harris: Rooted In Justice
by Nikki Grimes • Atheneum (August 25, 2020) • 1 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 2
<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) • 2 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 1
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.
Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition
by Margot Lee Shetterly • Harpercollins (November 29, 2016) • 1 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 1
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.
Rosa Parks
by Eloise Greenfield • Harpercollins (September 29, 1995) • 1 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 2
<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>
I Am Ruby Bridges
by Ruby Bridges • Orchard Books (September 6, 2022) • 2 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 8
<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) • 8 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 3
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) • 3 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 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.
