Amplify Black Voices: Poetry
Every Good Boy Does Fine by Calvin Arsenia*
From one of Kansas City’s most exciting singers Calvin Arsenia, comes a debut book of poetry and prose Every Good Boy Does Fine. Named for the classic mnemonic used to teach the lines of the treble clef (EGBDF), his collection speaks to his passion as a musician and also his deep and tumultuous history in the Evangelical community. Calvin composed music to accompany a selection of his poems on the audiobook.
Maps for the Modern World by Valerie June Hockett*
Maps for the Modern World is a collection of poems and original illustrations about cultivating community, awareness, and harmony with our surroundings as we move fearlessly toward our dreams.
Small Cures by Della Hicks-Wilson*
Della Hicks-Wilson is a British poet and writer of Caribbean descent from London, best known for her short viral poems and spoken word videos which have garnered over a million likes and shares to date. Her debut collection Small Cures was originally self-published in 2020 and selected by Stylist magazine as a Best Summer Read of 2020. She holds a BA and MA in English from the University of Cambridge, close to where she resides. Small Cures is at once a compelling reminder to anyone struggling with heartbreak, mental health, or trauma, that they are not alone, an inspirational manual on how to survive, and a stirring call to arms for self-love.
Vulnerable AF by Tarriona “Tank” Ball*
The debut poetry collection from Grammy-nominated recording artist and slam poet Tarriona “Tank” Ball about infatuation, love, and heartbreak. It is now available as an Audie Award-nominated audiobook!
The real-life story of a relationship in the author’s past told in verse and short prose pieces. Relatable and honest, with Tank’s signature mix of whimsy and realness, Vulnerable AF is about the difference between love and infatuation, the danger and confusion of losing yourself in the idea of someone else, and coming out on the other side of heartbreak with your sense of self-worth—and your sense of humor—stronger for it.
Born to Love, Cursed to Feel by Samantha King Holmes
Samantha King Holmes brings forth a raw, original perspective. A collection of poetry that breathes hope into the idea of love while mourning the human condition of seeking out connections, sometimes with the wrong people. Her verse takes the readers on an introspective journey of love, longing, and self-evolution.
In this revised edition, new, never-before-seen poems are sprinkled throughout among beloved and refreshed pieces from the first edition.
Winter Roses after Fall by Robert M. Drake and r.h. Sin
From the authors of The New York Times bestsellers Empty Bottles Full of Stories and Falling Toward the Moon comes a brand-new collection of compelling poetry and prose.
Season 15 winner of America’s Got Talent, Brandon Leake, presents his debut poetry collection. Universally relatable, surprisingly educational, and all around powerful, Unraveling is a collection of poetry inspiring us to slow down, breathe, and read between the lines. Audiobook available March 8.
*These titles are also available as audiobooks.