By Gwendolyn Brooks
200 pages; Library of America
Available at: Amazon.com | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Raised on Chicago's South Side, Brooks (who died in 2000) devoted her work to the lives of African-Americans, depicting scenes of anger, compassion, and resilience. In addition to the classic "We Real Cool," this edition also includes treasures like "The Lovers of the Poor."

— Carmela Ciuraru