#1
Months on List: 17
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) • 17 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 1
In this riveting narrative biography, acclaimed author Ibram X. Kendi paints an intimate, context-rich portrait of Malcolm X's journey from birth to death, revealing the impactful American's enduring legacy in the pursuit of anti-racism, enriched with exclusive archival documents and photographs, 100 years after his birth.
Malcolm Lives!: The Official Biography Of Malcolm X For Young Readers
by Ibram X. Kendi • Farrar, Straus And Giroux (byr) (May 13, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 17
<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) • 17 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 15
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) • 15 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 4
<em>Heart and Soul</em> is a poignant and inspiring exploration of America and African Americans' history, told through the intimate narrative of a 100-year-old African-American woman, unveiling the courage, struggle, and triumphs that led to their freedom and equal rights, ultimately shaping the nation's commitment to liberty and justice.
Heart And Soul: The Story Of America And African Americans
by Kadir Nelson • Balzer & Bray/harperteen (December 23, 2013) • 4 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 17
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) • 17 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 17
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) • 17 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 1
In the midst of the Depression, a joyful young girl named Lucy uses the power of music to maintain hope and optimism despite financial hardship, in a heartwarming, historical tale derived from the childhood of the mother of Good Morning America's Robin Roberts.
Lucy Sings On Lucy Street
by Lawrence E. Roberts Ii And Sally-ann Roberts • Harpercollins (May 13, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 2
This book delves into the history of the Negro League, exploring the struggles and triumphs of players set against the backdrop of social and political change in the first half of the 20th century.
We Are The Ship: The Story Of Negro League Baseball
by Kadir Nelson • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (January 8, 2008) • 2 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 1
In 'The History of We', bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith creates a visually striking journey through the birth and evolution of humanity, spotlighting the ingenuity of our African ancestors and their contributions to art, music, medicine, and exploration, in a narration that centers Black people in humankind's origin story.
The History Of We
by Nikkolas Smith • Kokila (May 20, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 1
In the height of the American Civil War, the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, one of the first all-black units in the Union Army, embarks on a perilous mission to capture the formidable Fort Wagner, changing the course of history and perceptions in America forever.
The Flag Never Touched The Ground: America’s Brave Black Regiment In Battle
by Kekla Magoon • Pushkin Children's Books (September 27, 2022) • 1 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 1
Discover the inspiring journey of multi-talented star Billy Porter, from his breakthrough role in Broadway's Kinky Boots to becoming a fashion icon, in this beautifully illustrated Little Golden Book Biography.
Billy Porter: A Little Golden Book Biography
by Phil Stamper • Golden Books (May 6, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 4
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) • 4 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 17
<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) • 17 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 9
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) • 9 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 11
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) • 11 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 12
<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) • 12 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 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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