for the love of black girls

by Tatiana Johnson-Boria

Tatiana M.R. Johnson’s first collection of poems is a love letter to black girls everywhere. “for the love of black girls” makes visible the pain and magic that is growing up a black girl in America by recalling her own coming-of-age story and chanting that black women are present, lovable and anything but invisible.

Genres: Poetry, Feminism

50 pages, Paperback

Published July 6, 2017

About the author

Tatiana (she/her) is the author of the forthcoming book Nocturne in Joy (2023). She’s an educator and expert facilitator who uses her writing practice to dismantle racism, reckon with trauma, and to cultivate healing. She’s an award-winning writer who’s received distinguished fellowships from Tin House, The Massachusetts Cultural Council, The MacDowell Residency, and others.

Reviews

[Sasha Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was outstanding. i actually enjoyed this collection and understood which seems to be rare these days.

[annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

my favorite poems were:
- to my 13-year-old self at her purity ball
- high risk heterosexual behavior
- holy women
- there was a black woman once
- origin story of surviving

[Crystal]

A chapbook of love to light up your day.

[Cubierocks]

Feels a bit too short to properly rate, but enjoyable none-the-less.

[Autumn Aurelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical. Moving. Empowering.

Standout poems for me were:
add half & half for sweetness
to my 13-year-old self at her purity ball
holy women
origin story of surviving
and
psalm for black girls

[Madison Helle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of coming of age poems! Also high risk heterosexual behavior HIT ME LIKE A TRUCK I teared up for sure

[uniquareads · Rating 1 out of 5]

everytime i find a poetry book based on black living i am ALWAYS disappointed and this wasnt any different :'(