A biography of African American poet, Gwendolyn Brooks.

"Growing up with a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and a mostly absent father, Nikki Grimes found herself terrorized by babysitters, shunted from foster family to foster family, and preyed upon by those she trusted. At the age of six, she poured her pain onto a piece of paper late one night - and discovered the magic and impact of writing. For many years, Nikki's notebooks were her most enduing companions. In this accessible and inspiring...

Who is the author behind your most beloved American classic? This title takes a look into Langston Hughes's life, including significant events, influences, and most remembered works. Hughes--poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist--is best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance. Special features include sidebars, infographics, on-page definitions, online search sidebar, further evidence sidebar and primary sources. This...

"This biography highlights the life and accomplishments of Amanda Gorman. Readers learn about Gorman's early life in which she became Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, her work at Harvard University where she became National Youth Poet Laureate, and her reading at the 2021 presidential inauguration" --

A look at the life of Phyllis Wheatley, who was brought to Boston on a slave ship and sold into slavery when she was about 7. Wheatley learned to write and later became a poet. Her poetry brought her praise and recognition and provides a glimpse of the Revolutionary War era and the life of this talented poet.

"A lyrical picture book biography that tells the story of one of America's most celebrated children's book authors, Virginia Hamilton, the first African American to win the Newbery Medal"--

"Poet Amanda Gorman delivered her poem "The Hill We Climb" at the 2021 presidential inauguration, winning wide acclaim. Read about Gorman's early life, her children's and poetry books, and what she plans to do next"--

"Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri, and was raised by his grandmother, who told him many stories of the Black American experience and taught him to be proud of his race from a young age. With her guidance, Langston became a talented writer in high school, creating dramatic plays, poetry, and articles for the school paper. His career as a writer would continue to blossom. Langston pioneered jazz poetry and published nearly twenty poetry...

A young adult memoir in verse that traces the author's journey from being a closeted gay Black teen battling poverty, racism, and homophobia to becoming an openly gay first-generation college student who finds freedom in poetry. Tony dreams about life after high school, where his poetic voice can find freedom on the stage and page. But the Boogeyman has been following Tony since he was six years old. First, the Boogeyman was after his Blackness,...