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BLK Bestsellers List — September 2025

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Poetry — September 2025
#1
Months on List: 4
by R.h. Sin
Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (May 20, 2025), Trade Paperback
In his latest poetic offering, "My Dear Wildflower", renowned author r.h. Sin provides an intimate journey from despair to self-worth, revisiting beloved themes and offering profound insights on love, regret, and heartbreak with his signature honesty and warmth.
#2
Months on List: 7
by Morgan Richard Olivier
Oak Agencies (May 21, 2024), Trade Paperback
This collection of poetry and prose explores the emotional and spiritual work of healing by confronting internal barriers to self-forgiveness, growth, and purposeful freedom.
#3
Months on List: 17
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.
#4
Months on List: 8
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.
#5
Months on List: 4
by Sharifa Stevens
Thomas Nelson (May 13, 2025), Hardcover
"When We Talk to God" by Sharifa Stevens is a heartfelt, beautifully illustrated gift book that articulates the joys, sorrows, and spiritual experiences of Black women in contemporary society.
#6
Months on List: 8
by Clint Smith
Write Bloody Publishing (August 1, 2016), Trade Paperback
<em>Counting Descent</em> is a profound poetry collection that intricately explores personal and political histories of blackness in America, in a world that simultaneously celebrates and vilifies it, challenging readers to reassess societal constructs and their own understanding of black heritage and identity.
#7
Months on List: 20
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.
#8
Months on List: 20
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.
#9
Months on List: 2
by Maya Angelou
Random House (August 12, 1978), Hardcover
<em>Phenomenal Woman,</em> part of Maya Angelou's third collection of poetry, <em>And Still I Rise,</em> celebrates life's triumphs and tribulations with powerful, rhythmically uplifting verse, demonstrating the dignity and unquenchable spirit of the ever-resilient woman.
#10
Months on List: 13
by Ross Gay
University Of Pittsburgh Press (January 7, 2015), Trade Paperback
A poetic meditation on loss, renewal, and gratitude, drawing wisdom from the cycles of nature, the garden, and the orchard.
#11
Months on List: 16
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.
#12
Months on List: 20
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.
#13
Months on List: 1
by Latorial Faison
University Of Alaska Press (July 15, 2025), Trade Paperback
This poetry collection delves into contemporary issues such as social justice, grief, mortality, family dynamics, global affairs, and the experiences of Black Americans.
#14
Months on List: 20
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.
#15
Months on List: 16
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.
#16
Months on List: 20
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.
#17
Months on List: 20
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.
#17
Months on List: 2
by Tracy K. Smith
Graywolf Press (May 10, 2011), Trade Paperback
A poetry collection blending cosmic wonder with earthly realities, exploring love, loss, and the human experience through sci-fi imagery and personal reflection.
#19
Months on List: 20
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.
#19
Months on List: 1
by Langston Hughes
Vintage (September 12, 1990), Trade Paperback
This anthology captures the powerful voice of Langston Hughes, celebrating the invisible lives of African Americans across history, by bridging high and popular culture through a blend of jazz and blues influenced poetry, curated by Hughes himself before his death.

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.