The compiler's new introduction to the 20th anniversary edition of his important fifty-poem anthology encourages youth to "use these poems for power and love" and to "Stay strong for yourself. Strong for the people." He suggests that the poems are "for all sisters and brothers. Of every race. Every open face." The 26 poets represented include Imamu Amiri Baraka, Sam Cornish, Lucille Clifton, Julia Fields, Nikki Giovanni, Langston Hughes, Ray Patterson and Sonia Sanchez. (Age 11 and older)

With brief, lucid poems both soft and strident, poignant and provocative, soothingd makes them feel strong inside. "An excellent steppingstone".--School Library Journal. 20th anniversary special edition. Line drawings.