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BLK Bestsellers List — March 2026

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Juvenile Nonfiction — March 2026
#1
Months on List: 26
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.
#2
Months on List: 2
by Nikki Shannon Smith
Golden Books (January 6, 2026), Hardcover
This book is a beautifully illustrated biography that chronicles the life and legacy of an extraordinary musical artist who made significant contributions to music, fashion, and culture, offering readers insights into his childhood and the creation of timeless hits.
#3
Months on List: 13
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.
#4
Months on List: 26
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.
#5
Months on List: 26
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.
#6
Months on List: 24
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.
#7
Months on List: 9
by Frank Berrios
Golden Books (August 2, 2022), Hardcover
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.
#8
Months on List: 26
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.
#9
Months on List: 26
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.
#10
Months on List: 13
by Sherri L. Smith
Penguin Young Readers Group (December 29, 2020), Trade Paperback
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.
#11
Months on List: 16
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.
#12
Months on List: 11
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>
#13
Months on List: 17
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.
#14
Months on List: 2
by Kadir Nelson
Little Brown Books For Young Readers (January 13, 2026), Hardcover
This book is a pictorial history of basketball focusing on the significant influence of Black players on the game.
#15
Months on List: 20
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.
#16
Months on List: 21
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.
#17
Months on List: 6
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.
#18
Months on List: 2
by Margeaux Weston
Rockridge Press (September 21, 2021), Trade Paperback
Show kids ages 8 to 12 how Black Americans shaped US history in the 20th century.
#19
Months on List: 15
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.
#20
Months on List: 3
by Roberta Edwards
Penguin Workshop (December 24, 2009), Trade Paperback
The book explores the journey of a Harvard Law School graduate who made remarkable strides in legislation, civil rights law, and eventually ascended to the position of the forty-fourth president of the United States.

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.