Black Girl You Are Atlas

This powerful poetry collection explores the complexities of Black girlhood through vivid verse that captures the intersection of race, class, and gender. Award-winning author Renée Watson draws from her own Portland childhood experiences, crafting semi-autobiographical poems that range from tender family odes to sharp social observations. The collection showcases remarkable poetic versatility, moving seamlessly between haiku, free verse, and other forms to create a rich tapestry of Black female experience. These poems don't just describe growing up Black and female—they immerse readers in the specific textures of that journey.

What makes this work exceptional is how Watson transforms personal memories into universal truths about resilience, identity, and community. Young Black girls will see their experiences reflected with rare authenticity, while all readers gain insight into navigating multiple identities in contemporary America. The poems balance vulnerability with strength, addressing difficult topics while celebrating the power found in Black womanhood. This collection leaves readers with a profound appreciation for the shoulders they stand on and the atlas they carry within themselves.