📖 Overview
Amanda Gorman is an American poet and activist who gained widespread recognition as the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, delivering "The Hill We Climb" at President Joe Biden's 2021 inauguration. Born in 1998, she became the first National Youth Poet Laureate and has focused her work on themes of oppression, race, feminism, and marginalization.
Her debut poetry collection "The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough" was published in 2015. Following her inaugural poem performance, her books "The Hill We Climb" and "Call Us What We Carry" became instant bestsellers, cementing her position in contemporary American poetry.
In 2021, Gorman broke new ground as the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl, presenting "Chorus of the Captains." Her achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition in Time magazine's 100 Next list under the "Phenoms" category.
Raised in Los Angeles by a single mother who worked as an English teacher, Gorman graduated from Harvard University with a degree in sociology. Her work continues to explore themes of social justice and the African diaspora, establishing her as a significant voice in modern American literature.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Gorman's rhythmic verse style and her ability to address social issues through accessible poetry. Many note her poems resonate with younger audiences and work well when performed aloud. Multiple reviewers mention getting "chills" during readings of "The Hill We Climb."
Critics point to repetitive themes, simplistic metaphors, and what some call "Instagram-style" writing focused more on inspiration than poetic depth. Several Goodreads reviews describe her work as "heavy-handed" with its messaging.
From 215,000+ Goodreads ratings:
"The Hill We Climb" - 4.3/5 stars
"Call Us What We Carry" - 4.1/5 stars
"Change Sings" - 4.4/5 stars
Amazon ratings average 4.8/5 across her titles, with frequent comments about the books being good gifts for young readers. Professional critics note her work appeals more to poetry newcomers than experienced poetry readers. Multiple reviewers compare her style to Rupi Kaur, both positively and negatively.
📚 Books by Amanda Gorman
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country (2021)
A special edition of Gorman's presidential inauguration poem exploring themes of hope, resilience and unity in America.
Call Us What We Carry (2021) A collection of poems examining history, language, identity, and the collective trauma of living through a pandemic.
Change Sings: A Children's Anthem (2021) An illustrated children's book written in verse about how every person has the power to make positive changes in the world.
The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough (2015) Gorman's first poetry collection addressing themes of race, feminism, and social justice.
The Hill We Climb and Other Poems (2021) An expanded collection featuring the inaugural poem alongside other works exploring similar themes of American identity and hope.
Call Us What We Carry (2021) A collection of poems examining history, language, identity, and the collective trauma of living through a pandemic.
Change Sings: A Children's Anthem (2021) An illustrated children's book written in verse about how every person has the power to make positive changes in the world.
The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough (2015) Gorman's first poetry collection addressing themes of race, feminism, and social justice.
The Hill We Climb and Other Poems (2021) An expanded collection featuring the inaugural poem alongside other works exploring similar themes of American identity and hope.
👥 Similar authors
Langston Hughes
His poetry addresses racial consciousness and pride while celebrating African American culture and experience. His accessible style and focus on social justice parallel Gorman's approach to addressing contemporary issues through verse.
Elizabeth Alexander She served as the 2009 inaugural poet and writes extensively about African American experience and identity in America. Her work combines historical awareness with personal narrative, similar to Gorman's integration of past and present in her poetry.
Tracy K. Smith As U.S. Poet Laureate from 2017-2019, she focused on bringing poetry to rural communities and addressing social issues through verse. Her work explores American identity and racial justice with precision and historical context.
Maya Angelou She established herself as a voice for Black women through her poetry and autobiographical works. Her inaugural poem "On the Pulse of Morning" and her focus on resilience and identity connect directly to Gorman's path.
Joy Harjo As the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, she writes about social justice, identity, and the relationship between personal and political spheres. Her work confronts historical trauma while maintaining hope for change, mirroring Gorman's approach to difficult subjects.
Elizabeth Alexander She served as the 2009 inaugural poet and writes extensively about African American experience and identity in America. Her work combines historical awareness with personal narrative, similar to Gorman's integration of past and present in her poetry.
Tracy K. Smith As U.S. Poet Laureate from 2017-2019, she focused on bringing poetry to rural communities and addressing social issues through verse. Her work explores American identity and racial justice with precision and historical context.
Maya Angelou She established herself as a voice for Black women through her poetry and autobiographical works. Her inaugural poem "On the Pulse of Morning" and her focus on resilience and identity connect directly to Gorman's path.
Joy Harjo As the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate, she writes about social justice, identity, and the relationship between personal and political spheres. Her work confronts historical trauma while maintaining hope for change, mirroring Gorman's approach to difficult subjects.