What if history spoke to you in verse? And We Rise: The Civil Rights Movement in Poems takes readers on a lyrical journey through one of the most pivotal eras in American history.

This stunning collection blends poetry, archival images, and historical context to bring the Civil Rights Movement to life. Through the power of verse, readers experience the voices of activists, everyday heroes, and those who stood firm against injustice. Each poem acts as a stepping stone, leading you through the struggles and triumphs that defined the fight for equality.

Author Erica Martin captures large and small moments—from landmark marches to quiet acts of courage. 

Greenglass House by Kate Milford book cover

You can find And We Rise: The Civil Rights Movement in Poems in e-book and audiobook format in the IDEA by ICfL collection via the Libby or Sora app.

Most notable is the inclusion of lesser-known figures and events that helped shape the Civil Rights Movement and contribute to the long-standing fight for justice and equality. Martin’s vivid, unflinching language will resonate with readers of all ages, although the book’s complexity and subject matter make the book most suitable for middle school-age kids and older.

Whether you’re a poetry lover, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration, And We Rise is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.