#1
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 14
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) • 14 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 7
A fun and engaging introduction to financial literacy for kids, exploring the history, language, and mechanics of money with humor and lively illustrations.
Priceless Facts About Money
by Mellody Hobson • Candlewick (October 1, 2024) • 7 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 16
<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) • 16 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 1
This narrative explores the life of a boy-turned-man who uses his writing talent to depict the diversity and richness of Black experiences.
Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became A Writer
by Quartez Harris • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (January 7, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 12
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) • 12 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 3
This inspiring biography chronicles the remarkable life of Mary Walker, a former slave who, overcoming immense obstacles, learned to read at the age of 116, showcasing the timeless message that it's never too late to learn.
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read
by Rita Lorraine Hubbard • Anne Schwartz Books (January 7, 2020) • 3 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 1
In this emotionally striking children's picture book, a family undertakes a dangerous and secretive journey through the Underground Railroad, seeking freedom from the shackles of slavery.
Underground: Finding The Light To Freedom
by Shane W. Evans • Square Fish (January 13, 2015) • 1 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 1
In 19th century Louisiana, a group of slaves find solace and connection as they count down their grueling workweek towards a joyous Sunday half-day of freedom, where they can gather to dance, sing, and trade at New Orleans' Congo Square, illustrating a poignant tale of resilience, hope, and African American history.
Freedom In Congo Square
by Carole Boston Weatherford • Little Bee Books (January 5, 2016) • 1 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 16
<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) • 16 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 1
This is a picture-book biography about the life and career of Thurgood Marshall, the first Black justice on the Supreme Court, recounting his early life in Baltimore, his education, achievements as a lawyer against discriminatory laws, and his historic role in the Brown v. Board of Education case.
Thurgood
by Jonah Winter • Anne Schwartz Books (September 3, 2019) • 1 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 2
An in-depth exploration of the life of a black seamstress from Alabama who defied segregation laws, sparking the civil rights movement.
Rosa
by Nikki Giovanni • Square Fish (December 26, 2007) • 2 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 5
This work highlights the significant contributions and achievements of exceptional Black men throughout history.
Follow Your Dreams, Little One
by Vashti Harrison • Lb Kids (September 29, 2020) • 5 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 11
<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) • 11 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.
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