Nikki Giovanni was an American poet and professor at Virginia Tech. She died at the age of 81 on Monday, December 9, 2024.
To many, Nikki Giovanni was much more than a poet. She was a voice for Black women during a time when such voices were either silenced or overlooked. So, what better way to honor such an icon than with a book list?
Here are five books by Nikki Giovanni to consider adding to your TBR list for 2025.
1. Rosa
A picture book written by Giovanni and illustrated by Bryan Collier. Rosa tells the story of civil rights activist Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat to a White bus passenger in the 1950s. Her bravery led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which ultimately led to the desegregated seating on Montgomery city buses.
2. Knoxville, Tennessee
A poem centered around life in the American South. Everything from farming to Church culture is highlighted.
This book was written with children between the ages of 3 and 8 in mind.
3. A Library
An ode to libraries and a celebration of stories. You can go anywhere your heart desires when you choose to read!
This book was written with children between the ages of 4 and 8 in mind.
4. A Good Cry: What We Learn From Tears and Laughter
Those looking to learn more about Nikki Giovanni may want to pick up this collection of poems. Read her thoughts about justice, gender, culture, and more.
5. Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea: Poems and Not Quite Poems
A collection of poems and prose that serve as self-reflection for Giovanni. These selections are also an observation of the world’s affairs. Read this collection by Giovanni when you are ready to go well past the surface level of thinking.
What books by Nikki Giovanni are you planning to add to your TBR list?