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BLK Bestsellers List — January 2025

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Nonfiction — January 2025
#1
Months on List: 4
by Shasta Clinch
Golden Books (September 3, 2024), Hardcover
This book is a biography for young readers that shares the riveting story of a philanthropist, superstar basketball player, and all-time leading scorer in the NBA.
#2
Months on List: 4
by Mellody Hobson
Candlewick (October 1, 2024), Hardcover
A fun and engaging introduction to financial literacy for kids, exploring the history, language, and mechanics of money with humor and lively illustrations.
#3
Months on List: 12
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: 12
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.
#5
Months on List: 4
by Lauren Clauss
Golden Books (September 3, 2024), Hardcover
The book is a biographical representation of a younger actress who transformed from a Disney Channel star to an award-winning performer, recognized for her activism and influence in fashion.
#6
Months on List: 12
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.
#7
Months on List: 11
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.
#8
Months on List: 12
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.
#9
Months on List: 6
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.
#10
Months on List: 4
by Frank Berrios
Golden Books (August 2, 2022), Hardcover
Introduce preschoolers to remarkable historical figures, including the inspiring Barack Obama, through a series of engaging and educational Little Golden Book biographies specifically designed for young learners.
#11
Months on List: 12
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.
#12
Months on List: 4
by Janay Brown-wood
Golden Books (December 6, 2022), Hardcover
A child-friendly introduction to Harriet Tubman’s courageous life and work, highlighting her role in the Underground Railroad and her fight for freedom.
#13
Months on List: 12
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.
#14
Months on List: 10
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.
#15
Months on List: 2
by Jamia Wilson
Wide Eyed Editions (January 26, 2021), Board Books
This book serves as a celebration of Black excellence, providing young children with a series of affirmations and introductions to iconic figures who have made significant achievements in various fields.
#16
Months on List: 7
by Vashti Harrison
Little Brown Books For Young Readers (December 5, 2017), Hardcover
<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.
#17
Months on List: 1
by Johnny Ray Moore
Worthykids (January 5, 2021), Board Books
This is a toddler-friendly board book that provides an introduction to the life and contributions of a crucial civil rights figure, focusing on his career as a minister and his significant role in ending segregation in America.
#18
Months on List: 1
by Frank Berrios
Golden Books (May 7, 2024), Hardcover
The book introduces young readers to the life and achievements of Muhammad Ali, a legendary boxer and civil rights activist, through a biographical narrative.
#19
Months on List: 3
by Vashti Harrison
Lb Kids (October 1, 2019), Board Books
This beautifully illustrated board book introduces young readers to eighteen visionary women from various fields, inspiring them to pursue their own dreams and make a difference in the world.
#20
Months on List: 1
by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dragonfly Books (November 26, 2024), Trade Paperback
This is a treasured picture book featuring Dr. Martin Luther King's iconic civil rights speech, illustrated by Caldecott Medal-winner Kadir Nelson, showcasing timeless themes of equality and freedom, and offering young readers a poignant introduction to our nation's 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.