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BLK Bestsellers List — April 2025

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Nonfiction — April 2025
#1
Months on List: 6
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.
#2
Months on List: 15
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.
#3
Months on List: 13
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.
#4
Months on List: 15
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: 15
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.
#6
Months on List: 15
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.
#7
Months on List: 15
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.
#8
Months on List: 4
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.
#9
Months on List: 15
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.
#10
Months on List: 10
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.
#11
Months on List: 10
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.
#12
Months on List: 3
by Tony Hillery
Paula Wiseman Books (August 18, 2020), Hardcover
<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.
#13
Months on List: 6
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.
#14
Months on List: 8
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>
#15
Months on List: 11
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.
#16
Months on List: 2
by Christine Platt
Rockridge Press (June 30, 2020), Trade Paperback
A kid-friendly biography of Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting his journey from a young learner to a civil rights leader who fought for equality through peaceful protest.
#17
Months on List: 12
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.
#18
Months on List: 4
by Sherri L. Smith
Penguin Workshop (August 7, 2018), Trade Paperback
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.
#19
Months on List: 4
by Kathy Trusty
Rockridge Press (June 29, 2021), Trade Paperback
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.
#20
Months on List: 4
by Vashti Harrison
Lb Kids (September 29, 2020), Board Books
This work highlights the significant contributions and achievements of exceptional Black men throughout 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.