For some, poetry can be an escape from the world of novels and books. Talented writers have a unique ability to transport us out of our lives and into theirs with their ability to create stories with meaning. We’re highlighting some amazing Latina poets who give us all the feels and would be a great edition for your bookshelf.
We’d be remiss if we did not give Alegria Publishing a shoutout for their work as an indie publishing company whose primary mission is to nurture emerging Latina writers. Our list includes several of their publications because it’s important that we create our own Latine spaces and uplift those who are also doing the same.
“Déjame Contarte Lo Que Dice El Corazón” by Paloma Alcantar
Copyright: Alegria Publishing
Interested in words of wisdom as one navigates through the trials and tribulations of love? Paloma Alcantar’s poetry book is sure to meet your needs. Every word is beautifully written to capture all of the emotions one experiences in love, and we’re settling in for it.
“Imperfecta” by Alejandra Ramos Gómez
Copyright: Alegria Publishing
Meditations on being a woman, migrant, and a Latina. Alejandra perfectly captures what it means to live in-between two cultures and the struggles of making peace with your identity and your lived experiences.
“Corazón” by Yesika Salgado
Copyright: Not A Cult Publishing
The first of her three poetry books, Yesika Salgado has enamored our hearts with her way with words. Salgado also co-founded Chingona Fire, a poetry collective based on highlighting Latina feminist poets. We highly recommend checking out her other books entitled “Hermosa” and “Tesoro”.
“Mujer de Color(es)” by Alejandra Jimenez
Tackling everything from obstacles in expressing cultura to embracing your femininity, Alejandra Jimenez does well to tackle it all in entrancing words. Reexamine your ability to embrace your feminine strengths with this guide, it won’t let you down.
“El Poemario del Colibrí | The Hummingbird Poems” by Edyka Chilomé
Copyright: Deep Vellum
Edyka Chilomé is a Mexican Salvadoran poet, identifying as queer, indigenous, and mestiza. Her work is heavily centered around transformative moments full of meaning in her book “El Poemario del Colibrí” (“The Hummingbird Poems” in English).
“Groanings from the Desert” by Alma Cardenas
Alma Cardenas allows us a glimpse into her mind with “Groanings from the Desert”, a bilingual collection of poems in both English and Spanish. Cardenas wrote all of these works in 2020 between February and October, so there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy her thoughts along with her.
“The Latinx Poetry Project” by Davina Ferreira
Copyright: Alegria Publishing
If you’re looking for the end all be all collection of poetry by Latinx poets, we’re recommending “The Latinx Poetry Project”. Over 45 Latinx poets are featured in this immense collection of work centered around a variety of themes: from social justice to feminism and beyond, this book truly has it all.