#1
Months on List: 31
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) • 31 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 31
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) • 31 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 31
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) • 31 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 31
<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) • 31 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 22
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) • 22 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 3
This book is a biography of tennis legend Serena Williams, detailing her relationship with her sister Venus, her achievements such as Olympic gold medals and Grand Slam titles, and her influence on and off the court.
Serena Williams: A Little Golden Book Biography
by Bria Alston • Golden Books (September 2, 2025) • 3 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 7
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) • 7 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 31
<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) • 31 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 20
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) • 20 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 14
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) • 14 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 5
<em>Harlem Grown</em> is an inspiring true story about how one man, with the help of underprivileged school students, transforms an abandoned lot into a thriving urban farm, teaching lessons on teamwork, environmental sustainability, and providing free healthy food for a neighborhood, all beautifully depicted by lively and intricate folk-art illustrations.
Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed A Neighborhood
by Tony Hillery • Paula Wiseman Books (August 18, 2020) • 5 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 1
This inspirational nonfiction picture book follows the life of Charles Henry Turner, the first Black entomologist, who overcame racial prejudice to pursue his passion for science and became an influential educator, sparking curiosity about bugs among young readers.
Buzzing With Questions: The Inquisitive Mind Of Charles Henry Turner
by Janice N. Harrington • Calkins Creek Books (November 5, 2019) • 1 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 1
This biography explores the life and legacy of an influential African American photographer who played a pivotal role in capturing the essence of the Harlem Renaissance.
Take A Picture Of Me, James Van Der Zee!
by Andrea J. Loney • Lee & Low Books (July 24, 2017) • 1 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 15
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.
What Is The Civil Rights Movement?
by Sherri L. Smith • Penguin Young Readers Group (December 29, 2020) • 15 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 9
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) • 9 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 10
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) • 10 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 19
<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) • 19 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 4
This beautifully illustrated board book introduces young readers to eighteen visionary women from various fields, inspiring them to pursue their own dreams and make a difference in the world.
Think Big, Little One
by Vashti Harrison • Lb Kids (October 1, 2019) • 4 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 11
In this powerful adaptation of the bestseller Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, young readers journey through the history of racism and its opposition in America, guided by the research of Ibram X. Kendi and the writing of Jason Reynolds and Sonja Cherry-Paul, learning to recognize and combat racist ideas in their own lives.
Stamped (for Kids): Racism, Antiracism, And You
by Jason Reynolds And Ibram X. Kendi • Little Brown Books For Young Readers (April 9, 2024) • 11 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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