#1
Months on List: 33
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) • 33 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 33
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) • 33 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 33
<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) • 33 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 33
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) • 33 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 24
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) • 24 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 22
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) • 22 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 9
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) • 9 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 8
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) • 8 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 7
This work highlights the significant contributions and achievements of exceptional Black men throughout history.
Follow Your Dreams, Little One
by Vashti Harrison • Lb Kids (September 29, 2020) • 7 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 11
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) • 11 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 33
<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) • 33 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 30
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) • 30 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 10
Introduce preschoolers to remarkable historical figures, including the inspiring Barack Obama, through a series of engaging and educational Little Golden Book biographies specifically designed for young learners.
Barack Obama: A Little Golden Book Biography
by Frank Berrios • Golden Books (August 2, 2022) • 10 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 3
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) • 3 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 11
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) • 11 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 22
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) • 22 Months on List
#18
Who Got Game? Football
by Barnes, Derrick • Workman Kids (August 18, 2026) • 1 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 11
<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) • 11 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 2
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) • 2 Months on List
Switch to Another October 2026 Category
BLK Related Links
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.
