#1
Months on List: 29
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) • 29 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 29
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) • 29 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 27
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) • 27 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 29
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) • 29 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 29
<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) • 29 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 7
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.
Who Were The Tuskegee Airmen?
by Sherri L. Smith • Penguin Workshop (August 7, 2018) • 7 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 2
<em>Never Caught</em> is a compelling narrative revealing the untold story of Ona Judge, a slave who defies all odds by escaping the household of George and Martha Washington, risking everything for her freedom.
Never Caught, The Story Of Ona Judge: George And Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared To Run Away; Young Readers Edition (reprint)
by Erica Armstrong Dunbar • Aladdin Paperbacks (August 18, 2020) • 2 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 20
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) • 20 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 24
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) • 24 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 8
<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) • 8 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 12
<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>
I Am Ruby Bridges
by Ruby Bridges • Orchard Books (September 6, 2022) • 12 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 29
<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) • 29 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 18
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) • 18 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 13
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) • 13 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 5
<em>Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free</em> is an inspiring children's book highlighting the life and work of Black activist Opal Lee, her fight for national recognition of Juneteenth, and imparting the values of equality, bravery, and persistence to young readers.
Opal Lee And What It Means To Be Free: The True Story Of The Grandmother Of Juneteenth
by Alice Faye Duncan • Tommy Nelson (January 11, 2022) • 5 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 5
The book is an illustrated historical journey for children, chronicling how Juneteenth evolved from its inception in 1865 to becoming a national holiday in 2021.
The Juneteenth Story: Celebrating The End Of Slavery In The United States
by Alliah L. Agostini • Becker & Mayer (June 17, 2022) • 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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