#1
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 5
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.
Barack Obama: A Little Golden Book Biography
by Frank Berrios • Golden Books (August 2, 2022) • 5 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 13
<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) • 13 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 13
<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) • 13 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 5
A child-friendly introduction to Harriet Tubman’s courageous life and work, highlighting her role in the Underground Railroad and her fight for freedom.
Harriet Tubman: A Little Golden Book Biography
by Janay Brown-wood • Golden Books (December 6, 2022) • 5 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 2
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.
I Have A Dream
by Martin Luther King, Jr. • Dragonfly Books (November 26, 2024) • 2 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 8
<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) • 8 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 2
The book introduces young readers to the life and achievements of Muhammad Ali, a legendary boxer and civil rights activist, through a biographical narrative.
Muhammad Ali: A Little Golden Book Biography
by Frank Berrios • Golden Books (May 7, 2024) • 2 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 2
This book introduces children to the lives and innovations of 15 Black inventors who significantly advanced science, technology, engineering, and math with their creations ranging from the first wooden clock to web animation.
Black Inventors: 15 Inventions That Changed The World
by Kathy Trusty • Rockridge Press (June 29, 2021) • 2 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 6
<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) • 6 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 5
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.
Lebron James: A Little Golden Book Biography
by Shasta Clinch • Golden Books (September 3, 2024) • 5 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 3
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.
Baby Young, Gifted, And Black: With A Mirror!
by Jamia Wilson • Wide Eyed Editions (January 26, 2021) • 3 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 2
In the midst of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen—an exceptional group of African American pilots—bravely battle prejudice and segregation at home while proving their skills on the European front, forever transforming the US military.
Who Were The Tuskegee Airmen?
by Sherri L. Smith • Penguin Workshop (August 7, 2018) • 2 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 2
A powerful presentation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s renowned speech, enhanced with poignant artwork that illuminates the civil rights leader's extraordinary vision.
I Have A Dream (picture Book)
by Martin Luther King, Jr. • Anne Schwartz Books (October 9, 2012) • 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.
