The difference between full and flood is a drop…
Here is the Bookshop link; it’s available to pre-order before the release on 9/1/26.
I’m in this new anthology (edited by the incredible Ari Tison and Ty Chapman, featuring art by Damon Davis) …but I would be recommending it even if I weren’t. It’s kind of a wild elevator pitch, especially for me and the kind of people who are usually interested in my work. Imagine three bubbles in a venn diagram:
- The lineup: this anthology features big names like Amanda Gorman, Ada Limón, Danez Smith, and Jason Reynolds, alongside locals and personal favorites like Junauda Petrus, Ollie Schminkey, Bao Phi, Kao Kalia Yang, and so many more. The lineup in-and-of-itself would be enough reason to check this out.
- The theme: “poems to address the past, present, and future of policing,” a topic I’ve written about a lot (like here, and here, and here, and here, and even stuff I wrote nearly 20 years ago like this). My poem in the anthology is something new, though.
- The anthology also has a YA (young adult) focus – which I think is a really good match with poetry—not just for young adult readers specifically, but for anyone who is curious about (or maybe even a little intimidated by) poetry. The work here is approachable, powerful, visionary, and sometimes even fun, in the midst of this very heavy and important topic. And the visual art is gorgeous and evocative. Even if you DON’T think of yourself as a poetry fan, I’d recommend this one.
And whether or not you like poetry, I also hope abolitionists check this out. In this work, culture matters. Story, art, expression, vision, coolness, and invitation all matter—and this anthology is overflowing with all that.
A Few Early Reviews
“The collection’s greatest strength lies in its multiplicity. The complex realities of anger, grief, exhaustion, tenderness, humor, and hope coexist without diminishing one another.” – starred, Kirkus Reviews
“Though often disquieting, in giving voice to the sometimes voiceless and providing space to consider their troubling subjects, the poems offer hope for a better future.” – Booklist
“For those seeking poetry of protest and resistance, this intense compilation offers fruitful fare. . . . Art and verse offer potent opportunities for reflection upon the social forces that influence American policing, as well as the deep anguish of the vulnerable citizens most at risk.” – starred, School Library Journal
Release Event – 9/1/26 in Minneapolis
Join us for the release event: Tuesday, September 1 at New City Center (3104 16th Ave S, MPLS), 7pm.
The event will feature Danez Smith, Carolyn Holbrook, Ollie Schminkey, Halee Kirkwood, Alice Paige, and me, as well as the editors. Here’s the flyer and some more info.
