National Network for Equitable Library Service

From Dr. Martina McGowan, I am The Rage is a Nautilus Award and BCALA 2022 Honor Poetry Award–winning collection perfect for fans of Amanda Gorman and Maya Angelou. Through a blend of personal experiences and collective pain, Dr. McGowan engages readers in a vital dialogue about racial trauma and inequality, seeking to transform outrage into understanding and denial into awareness. This powerful collection takes readers through the emotional aftermath of the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, reflects on the landmark Black Lives Matter protests and ongoing attacks on the Black community, examines personal and societal grief with empathy and authenticity, and stands as both a call to action and a testament to the strength of community. With an emphasis on healing through expression, acknowledgment, and shared understanding, and paired with evocative illustrations by Diana Ejaita, I am The Rage serves as both a mirror reflecting racial disparity and a window into lived experiences. It is ideal for readers of contemporary poetry, educators, students, activists, and those committed to social justice and racial equality.