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Nikki Giovanni

    Nikki Giovanni is an American poet and author whose work offers authentic distillations of Black life in America. Her poems are celebrated for their genuine voice and profound insights. As a literary magazine editor and a distinguished professor, she continues to shape the literary landscape. Her writing resonates deeply with readers, marked by its distinctive style and powerful emotional resonance.

    In the Spirit of Martin: The Living Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
    Poems : 1968-2020
    The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni
    The Selected Poems of Nikki Giovanni
    The Prosaic Soul of Nikki Giovanni
    Standing in the Need of Prayer
    • 2024

      A major new career-spanning selection from one of the world’s foremost poets, an international treasure, from 1968 to the present day Nikki Giovanni's poetry has dazzled and inspired readers for more than sixty years. When she first emerged from the Black Arts Movement in the late 1960s, she immediately became one of the most celebrated and controversial poets of the era. Now considered a living legend, this is the first new selection since the late 1990s and offers readers a chance to be introduced to and to celebrate her incredible lifetime's work.Giovanni’s poetry has always been a powerful expression of her ideas about love, race, politics and gender, but part of that power has also been the sensitive and intimate way Giovanni is able to bring to light the heart and soul of herself and her readers. Giovanni's poetry speaks from and to the Black experience, with Black love, Black struggle and Black joy at the centre. Arranged chronologically and spanning the entirety of her career, this selection charts not only the development of a great poet but also of sixty years of American life, bringing together motherhood and revolution, political dreams and great loves, men, women, children and community, and shows Giovanni at her essential, profound best.

      Poems : 1968-2020
    • 2022

      A Library

      • 32 pages
      • 2 hours of reading
      4.3(1006)Add rating

      In this lyrical picture book, world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Nikki Giovanni and fine artist Erin Robinson craft an ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape. In what other place can a child sail their dreams and surf the rainbow without ever leaving the room? This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them. This inspiring read-aloud includes stunning illustrations and a note from Nikki Giovanni about the importance of libraries in her own childhood.

      A Library
    • 2020

      Artemis 2020

      • 150 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Rooted in advocacy for social justice, this journal emerged from writing workshops for domestic violence victims in Southwest Virginia. Since 1977, it has championed equal treatment and denounced discrimination, whether based on gender or race. Artemis seeks to amplify diverse voices and provide a platform for artistic expression, reflecting its commitment to social change and inclusivity.

      Artemis 2020
    • 2020

      Standing in the Need of Prayer

      • 48 pages
      • 2 hours of reading

      Borrowing the title of a traditional African American hymn, Standing in the Need of Prayer poetically describes the vulnerability of black men and the ongoing injustice they encounter in America. Noted poet, Nikki Giovanni speaks to participants of the Million Man March, Tupac's mother, and expresses her own trepidation felt in response to late-night callers who may or may not be the bearers of tragic news. Her writings are bookended with poems by DXTR Spits (Jordan Holmes) as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Jericho Brown. Illustrator, Emily Thornton Calvo punctuates each poem with art that depicts the anger and frustration as well as the constant concern felt by those who love them. Standing in the Need of Prayer is critical to those who care about understanding the position of others who live under the weight of systemic racism--and a call for prayers to protect them.

      Standing in the Need of Prayer
    • 2020

      Make Me Rain

      • 144 pages
      • 6 hours of reading
      4.2(1224)Add rating

      One of America's most celebrated poets challenges us with this powerful and deeply personal collection of verse that speaks to the injustices of society while illuminating the depths of her own heart. For more than fifty years, Nikki Giovanni's poetry has dazzled and inspired readers. As sharp and outspoken as ever, she returns with this profound book of poetry in which she continues to call attention to injustice and racism, celebrate Black culture and Black lives, and give readers an unfiltered look into her own experiences. In Make Me Rain, she celebrates her loved ones and unapologetically declares her pride in her Black heritage, while exploring the enduring impact of the twin sins of racism and white nationalism. Giovanni reaffirms her place as a uniquely vibrant and relevant American voice with poems such as "I Come from Athletes" and "Rainy Days"--calling out segregation and Donald Trump; as well as "Unloved (for Aunt Cleota)" and "When I Could No Longer"--her personal elegy for the relatives who saved her from an abusive home life. Stirring, provocative, and resonant, the poems in Make Me Rain pierce the heart and nourish the soul.

      Make Me Rain
    • 2018

      A Good Cry

      • 128 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      One of America’s most celebrated poets looks inward in this powerful collection, a rumination on her life and the people who have shaped her. The poetry of Nikki Giovanni has spurred movements, turned hearts and informed generations. She’s been hailed as a firebrand, a radical, a healer, and a sage; a wise and courageous voice who has spoken out on the sensitive issues, including race and gender, that touch our national consciousness. As energetic and relevant as ever, Nikki now offers us an intimate, affecting, and illuminating look at her personal history and the mysteries of her own heart. In A Good Cry, she takes us into her confidence, describing the joy and peril of aging and recalling the violence that permeated her parents’ marriage and her early life. She pays homage to the people who have given her life meaning and joy: her grandparents, who took her in and saved her life; the poets and thinkers who have influenced her; and the students who have surrounded her. Nikki also celebrates her good friend, Maya Angelou, and the many years of friendship, poetry, and kitchen-table laughter they shared before Angelou’s death in 2014.

      A Good Cry
    • 2017

      A Good Cry

      What We Learn from Tears and Laughter

      • 128 pages
      • 5 hours of reading

      Nikki Giovanni's poetry addresses critical societal issues such as race, gender, and social justice, making her a powerful voice for activism. Renowned for her courage and radical perspective, she tackles themes of protest and violence, both domestic and societal, while advocating for the importance of Black lives. Her work has inspired movements and shaped the consciousness of generations, reflecting the urgent conversations surrounding these topics.

      A Good Cry
    • 2016

      Chasing Utopia

      A Hybrid

      • 160 pages
      • 6 hours of reading
      4.3(31)Add rating

      Celebrating the simple joys of daily life, this poignant poetry collection by celebrated poet Nikki Giovanni explores the deep connections we share with loved ones. Through her evocative verses, she captures the beauty and significance of these relationships, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and the warmth found in everyday moments.

      Chasing Utopia
    • 2014

      Artemis

      • 98 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Exploring the evolution of the goddess Artemis, this book delves into her origins in ancient mythology and her significance in various cultures. It examines her dual nature as both a protector of women and a fierce huntress, highlighting her influence on art, literature, and modern interpretations. The narrative weaves historical context with contemporary relevance, showcasing Artemis's enduring legacy and the ways she has been reimagined throughout the ages. Readers will gain insight into her complex character and the themes of empowerment and independence she embodies.

      Artemis
    • 2010

      Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea

      • 128 pages
      • 5 hours of reading
      4.2(11)Add rating

      This collection showcases the profound and evocative work of one of America's leading poets, featuring themes that resonate deeply with readers. Each poem reflects a unique perspective, blending emotional depth with striking imagery, highlighting the poet's mastery of language and form. The powerful verses invite contemplation and connection, making it a significant addition to contemporary poetry.

      Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea