#1
Months on List: 20
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) • 20 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 22
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) • 22 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 2
This narrative takes readers on a tour of American historical sites, exploring the legacy of slavery and its influence on the nation's history, highlighting the importance of realistic understanding of the past towards shaping a better future.
How The Word Is Passed (adapted For Young Readers): Remembering Slavery And How It Shaped America
by Clint Smith • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (September 30, 2025) • 2 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 3
An 11-year-old boy, orphaned by a fire and separated from his sister in the foster system, learns to express his feelings through poetry while yearning to reunite his divided family.
Locomotion
by Jacqueline Woodson • Nancy Paulsen Books (January 7, 2010) • 3 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 22
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) • 22 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 22
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) • 22 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 22
<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) • 22 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 2
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) • 2 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 17
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) • 17 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 9
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) • 9 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 1
This biography explores the life and career of a renowned boxer who rose to prominence amidst adversity, distinguishing himself through his bravado, dedication, and commitment to social justice while battling racial discrimination, professional ridicule, and political constraints.
Champion: The Story Of Muhammad Ali
by James Haskins • Bloomsbury U.s.a. Children's Books (January 2, 2018) • 1 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 18
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) • 18 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 9
The book explores the influence of a renowned African American author on succeeding writers, using the backdrop of a 1991 celebration at a major cultural center in New York City.
There Was A Party For Langston
by Jason Reynolds • Atheneum (October 3, 2023) • 9 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 22
<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) • 22 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 14
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) • 14 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 4
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) • 4 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 6
An award-winning author celebrates black American history and resilience through a powerful poem, adorned with significant historical references and inspirational art, highlighting the trials of slavery, the spirit of the civil rights movement, and the triumphs of iconic heroes.
The Undefeated
by Kwame Alexander • Versify (April 2, 2019) • 6 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 10
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) • 10 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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