Born in 1998, Amanda Gorman has gained notoriety in 2021. While she has been writing poetry since 2015, her major breakthrough occurred in 2021, when she delivered a poem at the inauguration of Joe Biden. She managed to gain international acclaim. Two Amanda Gorman books became bestsellers overnight – she also received a management contract as a direct consequence of her work. In 2021, Amanda Gorman was listed in Time’s 100 Next list as a phenom.

Prior to becoming a celebrity, Amanda was more than just a simple poet. She has always had something to say against common problems affecting the community, such as oppression or marginalization. She was born in California and raised by a single mother. She has two siblings. Her twin sister is also an activist. During her school years, Amanda saw herself as a weird teenagers who loved writing and reading, rather than playing.

While the moment from 2021 brought her international attention, her career goes way back. She found inspiration to join the UN in 2013, after she saw a speech from Malala Yousafzai. She became the first youth poet laureate in Los Angeles – 2014.

On a more personal note, Amanda Gorman has been more than just a poet – she has always activated against issues like race, feminism, marginalization and oppression. She has focused on the African diaspora and she became the first National Youth Poet Laureate. All in all, here are her most appreciated pieces of work in terms of poetry and writing.

What Are The Top Amanda Gorman Books To Read?

Call Us What We Carry, by Amanda Gorman (2024)

Call Us What We Carry captures a moment in time marked by a global pandemic, transforming it into a message of hope and healing. Gorman explores themes of history, language, identity, and erasure through a blend of imaginative and intimate poems. The volume features various inventive styles and structures, shedding light on a profound period of reckoning.

This poetry book includes an interview with the author and a discussion guide. This collection shows Gorman as a voice from the past and a guide for the future. Her poetry addresses contemporary issues while offering hope and healing. Through her powerful words, Gorman connects deeply with readers, reflecting our shared experiences and aspirations.

Something, Someday, by Amanda Gorman (2023)

Something, Someday is a children's picture book illustrated by Christian Robinson. This book has garnered acclaim for its inspirational message and beautiful illustrations. Gorman crafted a tale that emphasizes the power of trying and the potential for small actions to make a significant difference.

The book is especially recommended for fans of Little Leaders and Goodnight Stories For Rebel Girls, aiming to inspire and empower the next generation of writers.

The Hill We Climb, by Amanda Gorman (2021)

In 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth poet to come up with a reading at the inauguration of the President. She has also become the youngest person to have this privilege. As a result, her books gained notoriety overnight. She fascinated everyone who watched the ceremony and raised hope for better times for the country.

This edition includes The Hill We Climb – the poem she delivered at the ceremony. It is a special gift edition that stands out in the crowd. Since she became a figure overnight, she was highly acclaimed by other celebrities from all over the world. For instance, Oprah Winfrey delivered the foreword for this book and helped with its promotion.

This edition of The Hill We Climb is a unique one. It celebrates the hope for a deeper approach towards the issues associated with the USA. It boosts the power of poetry and underlines the promise of a gentler, more powerful and successful country.

Change Sings, by Amanda Gorman (2021)

This is a strong and intense lyrical picture book – one of the best Amanda Gorman books and her debut release. It is not just a collection of poetry, but it also brings in some stunning illustrations from the famous Loren Long. Just like her further poetry, this book includes poems with a strong message in terms of humanity, kindness, perseverance and the problems that still stir the USA.

The picture book comes from a reputable poet with activism experience, so everything is possible. She makes it pretty clear – when voices and people come together, anything becomes possible. As you go through this book, you practically embark upon a musical journey where a young girl gives voice to plenty of different characters. Altogether, they all learn that everyone has the power to make a change – be it a big one or a tiny change that will trigger reactions later on.

People can make changes in themselves, but their actions can also change local communities. The lyrical text often hides the actual message, which you will have to figure out yourself. Illustrations are rhythmic and match with no problems at all. Bottom line, this book can be described as an active call to action that people can use in order to motivate themselves – every small ability can make a difference in the long run.

The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough, by Amanda Gorman (2015)

This book is both inspiring and courageous. Amanda draws her inspiration from emotional wells – her community, suffering people around her, vibrant women who have changed the world, ancestors and the hungry youth. This book is a collection of different stories and poems.

While she is definitely not the first poet to come up with this approach, Amanda’s work stands out in the crowd with a plethora of surprises, twists and turns. These are the factors that add to the authenticity of this book.

The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough is one of the first Amanda Gorman books out there, as well as her statement – she was going to become famous and she knew it.

Final Thoughts on Amanda Gorman Poetry Books

Bottom line, these are some of the best Amanda Gorman books to help you understand her points of view and inspiration. The young poet is an international figure and activist now, yet her work on poetry is far from being over.

Featured on Joelbooks