#1
Months on List: 2
This is a compilation of the finest new and previously published poems that explores themes of pain, history, and the future, serving as a testament to the necessity of poetry.
Intentions Of Thunder: New And Selected Poems
by Patricia Smith • Scribner Book Company (September 30, 2025) • 2 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 1
The book is a collection of poignant poems that artistically explore aspects of urban planning in Charlottesville, Virginia through the lens of trees, architectural history, and introspective musings.
Shade Is A Place
by Makshya Tolbert • Penguin (November 4, 2025) • 1 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 7
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.
My Dear Wildflower
by R.h. Sin • Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (May 20, 2025) • 7 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 7
"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.
When We Talk To God: Prayers And Poems For Black Women
by Sharifa Stevens • Thomas Nelson (May 13, 2025) • 7 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 10
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.
The Freedom Of Forward
by Morgan Richard Olivier • Oak Agencies (May 21, 2024) • 10 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 23
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.
Flowers On The Moon
by Billy Chapata • Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (October 20, 2020) • 23 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 15
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.
The Rose That Grew From Concrete
by Tupac Shakur • Mtv Books (November 1, 1999) • 15 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 23
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.
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem For The Country
by Amanda Gorman • Viking (March 30, 2021) • 23 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 23
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.
Call Us What We Carry: Poems
by Amanda Gorman • Viking (January 23, 2024) • 23 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 16
A poetic meditation on loss, renewal, and gratitude, drawing wisdom from the cycles of nature, the garden, and the orchard.
Catalog Of Unabashed Gratitude (pitt Poetry Series)
by Ross Gay • University Of Pittsburgh Press (January 7, 2015) • 16 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 2
This poetry collection explores the journey of survival and discovering joy, expressed through inventive and resonant poems that celebrate companionship, intimacy, love, and a sense of belonging in the world.
The Natural Order Of Things: Poems
by Donika Kelly • Graywolf Press (October 7, 2025) • 2 Months on List
#12
Months on List: 21
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.
You Are Only Just Beginning: Lessons For The Journey Ahead
by Morgan Harper Nichols • Zondervan (February 14, 2023) • 21 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 2
In <em>The Tradition</em>, award-winning poet Jericho Brown challenges societal norms by exploring the intersection of politics and love for queer Black men, utilizing innovative poetic structures to question the commonality of evil aspects in history and celebrate human resilience.
The Tradition
by Jericho Brown • Copper Canyon Press (April 2, 2019) • 2 Months on List
#14
Months on List: 21
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.
This Day Is Dark
by R.h. Sin • Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (August 22, 2023) • 21 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 22
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.
She’s Strong, But She’s Tired: Volume 3
by R.h. Sin • Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (September 22, 2020) • 22 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 3
This poetry collection offers a powerful critique of current political and societal issues, touching on topics such as police brutality and white supremacy, while also reflecting on personal history and everyday life.
The New Book: Poems, Letters, Blurbs, And Things
by Nikki Giovanni • William Morrow & Company (September 2, 2025) • 3 Months on List
#17
Months on List: 6
This is a collection of celebrated poems that highlight the majesty and resilience of women, inspiring millions around the world.
Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems Celebrating Women
by Maya Angelou • Random House (January 17, 1995) • 6 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 18
A heartfelt poetry collection capturing the joys, struggles, and resilience of life through Maya Angelou’s powerful and lyrical voice.
Poems: Just Give Me A Cool Drink Of Water ’fore I Diiie/oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me Well/and Still I Rise/shaker, Why Don’t You Sing?
by Maya Angelou • Bantam (January 1, 1996) • 18 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 1
This is a long-form poem that draws parallels between space exploration and the concept of freedom.
Hawk
by Vivian Ayers • Clemson University Press (October 31, 2023) • 1 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 1
Kilbourne illuminates the intersections between science and poetry in poems that demonstrate the wonder, curiosity, and precision required by both disciplines.
Natural History: Poems
by Brandon Kilbourne • Graywolf Press (November 4, 2025) • 1 Months on List
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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.
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