#1
Months on List: 16
"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) • 16 Months on List
#2
Months on List: 32
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) • 32 Months on List
#3
Months on List: 14
<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.
Counting Descent
by Clint Smith • Write Bloody Publishing (August 1, 2016) • 14 Months on List
#4
Months on List: 32
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) • 32 Months on List
#5
Months on List: 4
In this thought-provoking collection, acclaimed poet Terrance Hayes confronts Trump's America with seventy powerful sonnets, exploring themes of identity, love, and nation in times marred with political uncertainty, capturing the collective dreams, errors, and anxieties of the era.
American Sonnets For My Past And Future Assassin
by Terrance Hayes • Penguin (June 19, 2018) • 4 Months on List
#6
Months on List: 27
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.
The Collected Poems Of Langston Hughes
by Langston Hughes • Vintage (October 31, 1995) • 27 Months on List
#7
Months on List: 31
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) • 31 Months on List
#8
Months on List: 8
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.
To All The Women I’ve Ever Loved
by Billy Chapata • Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (January 20, 2026) • 8 Months on List
#9
Months on List: 15
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) • 15 Months on List
#10
Months on List: 24
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) • 24 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 18
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) • 18 Months on List
#11
Months on List: 5
A poetry collection blending cosmic wonder with earthly realities, exploring love, loss, and the human experience through sci-fi imagery and personal reflection.
Life On Mars: Poems
by Tracy K. Smith • Graywolf Press (May 10, 2011) • 5 Months on List
#13
Months on List: 19
This work is a poetic exploration of the experiences of individuals who have been unjustly stereotyped and limited within society.
A Beautiful Composition Of Broken
by R.h. Sin • Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (July 25, 2017) • 19 Months on List
#15
Months on List: 26
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) • 26 Months on List
#16
Months on List: 6
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) • 6 Months on List
#17
The Big Smoke (poets, Penguin)
by Adrian Matejka • Penguin (May 28, 2013) • 1 Months on List
#18
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 Months on List
#19
Months on List: 16
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) • 16 Months on List
#20
Months on List: 26
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.
Velvet Dragonflies
by Billy Chapata • Andrews Mcmeel Publishing (November 8, 2022) • 26 Months on List
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Sales Data Source: Circana BookScan. Represents U.S. print sales from thousands of retail outlets nationwide.
Methodology: Titles are curated and verified for Black authorship by the African American Literature Book Club as part of the Black Book Accelerator initiative.
