#1
Months on List: 28
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) • 28 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 3
This is a narrative about Rosa Parks, her courageous refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955, and how this act sparked the modern Civil Rights Movement.
Rosa Parks
by Eloise Greenfield • Harpercollins (September 29, 1995) • 3 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 28
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) • 28 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 26
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) • 26 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 28
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) • 28 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 28
<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) • 28 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 3
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) • 3 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 23
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) • 23 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 4
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.
Prince: A Little Golden Book Biography
by Nikki Shannon Smith • Golden Books (January 6, 2026) • 4 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 19
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) • 19 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 7
<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) • 7 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 1
This vibrant picture book celebrates the beauty and significance of Black hair through the exploration of various braid styles, empowering Black girls to embrace their creativity and cultural heritage.
A Black Girl And Her Braids
by Jaylene Clark Owens • Penguin Workshop (January 6, 2026) • 1 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 28
<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) • 28 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 18
<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) • 18 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 17
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) • 17 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 4
This book is a pictorial history of basketball focusing on the significant influence of Black players on the game.
Basket Ball: The Story Of The All-american Game
by Kadir Nelson • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (January 13, 2026) • 4 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 15
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) • 15 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 15
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) • 15 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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