#1
Months on List: 32
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) • 32 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 32
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) • 32 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 6
<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) • 6 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 32
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) • 32 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 32
<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) • 32 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 23
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) • 23 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 4
In 'The History of We', bestselling illustrator Nikkolas Smith creates a visually striking journey through the birth and evolution of humanity, spotlighting the ingenuity of our African ancestors and their contributions to art, music, medicine, and exploration, in a narration that centers Black people in humankind's origin story.
The History Of We
by Nikkolas Smith • Kokila (May 20, 2025) • 4 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 21
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) • 21 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 6
This is a treasured picture book featuring Dr. Martin Luther King's iconic civil rights speech, illustrated by Caldecott Medal-winner Kadir Nelson, showcasing timeless themes of equality and freedom, and offering young readers a poignant introduction to our nation's history.
I Have A Dream
by Martin Luther King, Jr. • Dragonfly Books (November 26, 2024) • 6 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 2
In the heart of the Civil Rights era and the Space Race, four African-American female mathematicians shatter barriers at NASA, using unequalled intellect and determination to propel America into space, forever transforming the nation and the world of science.
Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition
by Margot Lee Shetterly • Harpercollins (November 29, 2016) • 2 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 10
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) • 10 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 21
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.
Born On The Water: The 1619 Project
by Nikole Hannah-jones And Renée Watson • Kokila (November 16, 2021) • 21 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 10
<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) • 10 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 29
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) • 29 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 5
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) • 5 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 32
<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) • 32 Months on List
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Sales Data Source: Circana BookScan. Represents U.S. print sales from thousands of retail outlets nationwide.
Methodology: Titles are curated and verified for Black authorship by the African American Literature Book Club as part of the Black Book Accelerator initiative.
