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BLK Bestsellers List — February 2026

America’s Bestselling Books by Black Writers and Illustrators

Poetry — February 2026
#1
Months on List: 9
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.
#2
Months on List: 1
by Fanta Ballo
Ratty Reach (May 15, 2021), Trade Paperback
The book is a collection of poems that delve into family, love, relationships, and social injustices drawn from the author's personal experiences, encompassing pain, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
#3
Months on List: 1
by Billy Chapata
Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (January 20, 2026), Trade Paperback
This book is a heartfelt compilation of poetry and prose expressing gratitude to all the significant women in the author's life, who have taught him about love, personal growth, and being worthy of love.
#4
Months on List: 12
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.
#5
Months on List: 25
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.
#6
Months on List: 9
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.
#7
Months on List: 25
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.
#8
Months on List: 20
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.
#9
Months on List: 4
by Patricia Smith
Scribner Book Company (September 30, 2025), Hardcover
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.
#10
Months on List: 10
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.
#11
Months on List: 24
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.
#12
Months on List: 17
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.
#13
Months on List: 3
by Jericho Brown
Copper Canyon Press (April 2, 2019), Trade Paperback
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.
#14
Months on List: 23
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.
#15
Months on List: 8
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.
#17
Months on List: 25
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.
#18
Months on List: 2
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.
#19
Months on List: 13
by R.h. Sin
Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (July 25, 2017), Trade Paperback
This work is a poetic exploration of the experiences of individuals who have been unjustly stereotyped and limited within society.
#20
Months on List: 3
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.

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.