Dandelion Yellow: Poems

by Alayna Henry, Sophia Carnevale (Illustrator)

dandelion yellow is a collection of free-verse poetry that thoughtfully explores trauma, healing, identity, and resistance through vivid imagery drawn from nature, color, and memory. these poems explore what it means to survive- and to bloom- despite the weight of the world.

with tenderness and courage, dandelion yellow invites readers to reconnect with the earth, with community, and with themselves. from bruised bodies and borders to peppermint tea and shifting skies, these poems remind us of the strength found in vulnerability, the power of softness, and the importance of holding space for growth and transformation. dandelion yellow explores the intricate relationship between the complexities of the internal human experience and the external world around us.

woven throughout the collection is a commitment to social justice- calling attention to inequality, advocating for change, advocating for the earth, and uplifting voices often marginalized. the collection explores themes of feminism, queerness, and environmentalism with artistic nuance and heartfelt expression, redefining strength as an act of care, self-love, and rebellion. it honors the journey of healing and the delicate balance between fear and bravery- the courage to face the sun even after darkness. these poems encourage readers to see scars and stretch marks as seeds for blossoming, to nurture the blooming heart within, and to celebrate every curve, every color, as a testament to resilience.
dandelion yellow is for those learning to let go, reclaim, dance, resist, and love- especially when it is hardest. it is poetry for anyone on the ongoing journey of becoming, again and again, with fierce tenderness.

290 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2025

Reviews

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dandelion Yellow” is a collection of poetry that includes a decade’s worth of work on themes such as mental health, trauma recovery, healing, social justice issues, and more. Each poem is so powerful, one can’t help but feel the raw emotion leaping off the page and shooting like a dagger into the heart. I found myself constantly pausing, mouth agape, to reflect on a poem and process what I’ve read. The content is so relatable - it’s validating to see the trajectory of mental health and healing that someone else has gone through, and as a result, it becomes healing for the reader.
“Dandelion Yellow” is an astounding collection that is both heartbreaking and healing, and I urge anyone who has ever struggled with their mental health to read it.

[Liana Leão · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this collection of poetry. I liked the imagery, the style, and the way each line captured different emotions all within the same poem.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!