Edited by Amber McBride, Taylor Byas, and Erica Martin
4 stars
A fantastic collection of poetry from a variety of poets from past and present. I loved the showcase of different styles, formats, and topics.
It was wonderful to read poems from familiar modern favorites like Ibi Zoboi and Kwame Alexander; famous poets throughout history like Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and James Baldwin; and get a sampling of the work of contemporary poets.
The collection covers a variety of topics, from history and slavery, to folklore and religion, to the modern Black experience and just living life.
Each poem includes an outro that helps explain the poet’s message, points out references, and/or lets the poet discuss bits of the poem or their inspiration. These outros help make the pieces more accessible to its YA audience.
Includes poetry from Kwame Alexander, Lauren K. Alleyne, Jabari Asim, James Baldwin, Gwendolyn Brooks, Mahogany L. Browne, Taylor Byas, DeeSoul Carson, Lucille Clifton, Courtne Comrie, Ama Asantewa Diaka, Ryan Douglass, Antwan Eady, Kandace Fuller, Dr. Joanne V. Gabbin, Nikki Giovanni, Faylita Hicks, Langston Hughes, Jeanine Jones, Tony Keith Jr. Etheridge Knight, Simone Liggins, Audre Lorde, Erica Martin, Amber McBride, Claude McKay, Rodrick Minor, Jamar J. Perry, Joy Priest, L. Renée, Sonia Sanchez, Danez Smith, Fatima Stephens, Jonny Teklit, Tariq Thompson, Donald Vincent Mr. Hipp, Phillis Wheatley, Ashley Woodfolk, and Ibi Zoboi
Powerful, insightful, heartbreaking, and comforting. This was such a great collection and I really enjoyed the format.