MahoganyBooks Children’s Bestsellers | April 2021

April 2021 Children's Bestsellers

The MahoganyBooks Children’s Bestsellers list is more than just a look at the Top Five books purchased over the past month from our store and website. It’s a list that takes into account the interests and concerns of African American readers/shoppers regardless of publisher, recency of publication, or book promotions geared at manufacturing sales.

Quite simply, our bestsellers list is a representation of the kinds of literary content that matters to them. #BlackBooksMatter

So without further ado, we present our…

April 2021 | MahoganyBooks Children’s Bestsellers


#1 – Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

This beautifully illustrated board book edition of instant bestseller Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History showcases women who changed the world and is the perfect goodnight book to inspire big dreams. 

Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the irresistible board book adaptation of Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. 

Among these women, you’ll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them.

 The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come. 


#2 – The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person by Frederick Joseph

Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph offers candid reflections on his own experiences with racism and conversations with prominent artists and activists about theirs–creating an essential read for white people who are committed anti-racists and those newly come to the cause of racial justice.

“We don’t see color.” “I didn’t know Black people liked Star Wars!” “What hood are you from?” For Frederick Joseph, life as a transfer student in a largely white high school was full of wince-worthy moments that he often simply let go. As he grew older, however, he saw these as missed opportunities not only to stand up for himself, but to spread awareness to those white people who didn’t see the negative impact they were having. 

Speaking directly to the reader, The Black Friend calls up race-related anecdotes from the author’s past, weaving in his thoughts on why they were hurtful and how he might handle things differently now. Each chapter features the voice of at least one artist or activist, including Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give; April Reign, creator of #OscarsSoWhite; Jemele Hill, sports journalist and podcast host; and eleven others. Touching on everything from cultural appropriation to power dynamics, “reverse racism” to white privilege, microaggressions to the tragic results of overt racism, this book serves as conversation starter, tool kit, and invaluable window into the life of a former “token Black kid” who now presents himself as the friend many readers need. Backmatter includes an encyclopedia of racism, providing details on relevant historical events, terminology, and more.


#3 – Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer #1 by David Crownson

When slave owners can’t stop the formidable ninja warrior Harriet Tubman, they call on the help of Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, & Demons to stop her. Harriet Tubman must lead a family of slaves to freedom while battling an army of darkness.

A fictional take on the real life of a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, who freed approximately 1000 slaves in her history as one of the nation’s fiercest abolitionists and freedom fighters. Crowson decided to extend that story to include Demons.

“If Abraham Lincoln can fight vampires, why not right?

This first issue jumps right into the story when Caesar Edgefield wakes Venus Edgefield from her bed and tells her that they need to leave. In the dead of night they leave the plantation and meet Caesar’s wife Catherine who has procured a horse and wagon from another plantation. (this isn’t strange because many times slaves were sent between plantations to run errands and retrieve items for neighboring masters). It’s also not strange that masters often hired militia to patrol the roads at night to make sure that no slaves tried to escape.

What is strange is for those patrols to not just kill slaves but EAT them… because vampires.”

Review courtesy of The BlerdGurl


#4 – Every Little Thing by Cedella Marley

“Will strike a chord with worrywarts and loving children everywhere.” — School Library Journal

An uplifting board book that brings Bob Marley’s popular song to life for a new generation: Families will relate to this universal story of a boy who won’t let anything get him down as long as he has the help of three special little birds. This joyful book will bring a smile to faces of all ages–because every little thing’s gonna be all right! 

Includes all the lyrics of the original song “Three Little Birds” by beloved Jamaican reggae artist Bob Marley. 

Written by Cedella Marley, Bob Marley’s daughter, who is dedicated to keeping her father’s music and message of love alive.


#5 – Please, Baby, Please by Spike Lee

Now in a board book edition, this exuberant bestseller by the Academy Award-nominated director and his wife explodes with all the energy of childhood and concludes with the patience, understanding, and unconditional love of a parent.

A toddler’s antics keep his mother busy as she tries to feed him, watch him on the playground, give him a bath, and put him to bed.

Go back to bed, 
baby, please, baby, please. 
Not on your HEAD, 
baby baby baby, please!… 

From moments fussy to fond, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, producer Tonya Lewis Lee, present a behind-the-scenes look at the chills, spills, and unequivocal thrills of bringing up baby! 

Vivid illustrations from celebrated artist Kadir Nelson evoke toddlerhood from sandbox to high chair to crib, and families everywhere will delight in sharing these exuberant moments again and again.

About MahoganyBooks 242 Articles
MahoganyBooks is an online bookstore that believes in social entrepreneurship. We take a leadership role in the African American community promoting reading, writing, and cultural awareness as tools to improve communities as well as enrich the lives of motivated individuals.

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