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BLK Bestsellers List — March 2025

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Poetry — March 2025
#1
Months on List: 2
by R.h. Sin
Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (January 21, 2025), Trade Paperback
This poetry collection traces a path through heartbreak and trauma toward renewal and self-discovery, offering gentle reflections on loss, resilience, and the healing power of love.
#2
Months on List: 14
by Amanda Gorman
Viking (March 30, 2021), Hardcover
In this special gift edition, Amanda Gorman's historic and inspiring poem <em>The Hill We Climb,</em> read at President Joe Biden's inauguration, presents a message of unity and healing, complete with an enduring foreword by Oprah Winfrey - a compelling memento of the promise of America and the power of poetry.
#3
Months on List: 14
by Billy Chapata
Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (October 20, 2020), Trade Paperback
In his second major poetry collection, <em>Flowers on the Moon,</em> social media sensation Billy Chapata offers a poignant blend of advice and experience on love, loss, and resilience, aiming to inspire hope, growth, and self-acceptance in readers through his insightful prose and poetry.
#4
Months on List: 14
by Amanda Gorman
Viking (January 23, 2024), Trade Paperback
In her luminous poetry collection <em>Call Us What We Carry,</em> #1 New York Times bestselling author Amanda Gorman masterfully weaves a lyrical tapestry of history, language, and identity, transforming the collective grief of a global pandemic into a beacon of hope and healing.
#5
Months on List: 14
by R.h. Sin
Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (August 22, 2023), Trade Paperback
In r.h Sin's <em>This Day is Dark</em>, a poignant collection of poetry and prose unfolds an 18-year journey of love and heartbreak, revealing the tragic cost of mistaking red flags for passion.
#6
Months on List: 10
by R.h. Sin
Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (May 14, 2024), Trade Paperback
This poetry collection takes readers on a poignant journey of goodbyes, the unforgivable, and secret treks to find peace under the moonlight.
#7
Months on List: 14
by Amanda Gorman
Viking (December 7, 2021), Hardcover
This is a poetry collection that explores themes of history, language, identity, and erasure, while also addressing the collective grief of a global pandemic, presented in a variety of inventive styles and structures.
#7
Months on List: 14
by Billy Chapata
Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (November 8, 2022), Trade Paperback
In his latest collection, <em>Velvet Dragonflies,</em> renowned poet Billy Chapata guides readers on a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and acceptance, using evocative poetry to explore the evolving softness of deep self-respect.
#9
Months on List: 14
by Morgan Harper Nichols
Zondervan (February 14, 2023), Hardcover
In <em>You Are Only Just Beginning</em>, bestselling author Morgan Harper Nichols encourages readers to explore future adventures and self-belief through her inspiring collection of illustrated poetry.
#10
Months on List: 3
by Nikki Giovanni
William Morrow & Company (February 14, 1997), Hardcover
Esteemed American writer Nikki Giovanni presents a captivating collection of love poems, interweaving the bold and erotic with the tender and whimsical, demonstrating her distinguished poetic prowess and fearless passion.
#11
Months on List: 7
by Tupac Shakur
Mtv Books (November 1, 1999), Hardcover
An intimate collection of 72 handwritten poems uncovers the raw talent, vibrant spirit, and posthumous legacy of Tupac Shakur, offering a poignant glimpse into the legendary artist's enigmatic world and his message of hope.
#12
Months on List: 3
by Nikki Giovanni
William Morrow & Company (February 1, 2007), Trade Paperback
Experience the evolution of Nikki Giovanni's impactful voice in American poetry, through a collection of her early works from 1967 to 1983, celebrating her role in the Black Arts Movement and ongoing resonance in America's political and poetic landscape.
#13
Months on List: 14
by R.h. Sin
Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (September 22, 2020), Trade Paperback
In this powerful poetic testament from bestselling author r.h. Sin, women choose to rise above their pain and loneliness, showcasing their courage and ultimate triumph.
#14
Months on List: 14
by Claudia Rankine
Graywolf Press (October 7, 2014), Trade Paperback
<em>Citizen</em> is a bold exploration of racism's micro-aggressions in daily life and media, highlighting its impact on individuals and society in our so-called post-race era, through a blend of essays, images, and poetry.
#15
Months on List: 3
by Maya Angelou
Random House (January 17, 1995), Hardcover
This is a collection of celebrated poems that highlight the majesty and resilience of women, inspiring millions around the world.
#16
Months on List: 10
by Langston Hughes
Vintage (October 31, 1995), Trade Paperback
This comprehensive anthology presents the life's work of Langston Hughes, a pillar of the Harlem Renaissance, featuring all his published poems, including well-known masterpieces and previously suppressed verses, spanning five decades of influential literature enriched with annotations by renowned scholars Arnold Rampersad and David Roessel.
#17
Months on List: 10
by Maya Angelou
Bantam (January 1, 1996), Mass Market Paperback
A heartfelt poetry collection capturing the joys, struggles, and resilience of life through Maya Angelou&rsquo;s powerful and lyrical voice.
#18
Months on List: 3
by Jasmine Mans
Berkley Books (March 9, 2021), Trade Paperback
<em>Black Girl, Call Home</em> is a powerful poetry collection by Jasmine Mans that explores race, feminism, and queer identity through a poignant journey of self-discovery and healing as a young, queer Black woman in Newark, America.
#18
Months on List: 3
by Rudy Francisco
Button Poetry (November 7, 2023), Trade Paperback
In his third poetry collection, <em>Excuse Me As I Kiss The Sky</em>, Rudy Francisco employs unconventional formats to uncover everyday poetry, bridging the divide between readers and the seemingly esoteric world of poetic craft, while exploring deeply human themes of love, heartbreak, identity, and healing.
#20
Months on List: 1
by Roya Marsh
Mcd (February 4, 2025), Trade Paperback
In her second collection <em>savings time,</em> spoken-word dynamo Roya Marsh explores the intricacies of Black rage and healing, addressing issues like police brutality, gentrification, queer identity, and self-care in her powerful, raw, and revolutionary poems.

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.