#1
Months on List: 30
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) • 30 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 30
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) • 30 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 2
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) • 2 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 4
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) • 4 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 30
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) • 30 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 25
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) • 25 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 30
<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) • 30 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 9
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) • 9 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 21
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) • 21 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 5
A kid-friendly biography of Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting his journey from a young learner to a civil rights leader who fought for equality through peaceful protest.
The Story Of Martin Luther King Jr.: A Biography Book For New Readers
by Christine Platt • Rockridge Press (June 30, 2020) • 5 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 28
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) • 28 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 19
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) • 19 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 6
<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) • 6 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 9
<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) • 9 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 30
<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) • 30 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 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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