Apr 9, 2021 - Economy

Amanda Gorman authors first book of poetry to debut at No. 1 on USA Today's bestseller list

Poet Amanda Gorman

Poet Amanda Gorman. Photo: Pool/Getty Images

Poet Amanda Gorman added another first to her list of accomplishments this week: Her book, "The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country," became the first book of poetry to debut at No. 1 on USA Today's Best-Selling Books list.

The big picture: The title was also the first book of poetry to claim the No. 1 spot since the list's inception in 1993, per USA Today.

What she's saying: "I am so humbled and honored by this exciting news," the 23-year-old national youth poet laureate said in a statement.

  • "It makes me speechless to see poetry have such a ripple effect, and I’m excited to see more poets stand beside me on the best-seller list.”

The big picture: Gorman, who stole the show during President Biden's inauguration, also announced this week that she will be the "first poet ever on the cover" of Vogue Magazine, appearing on two different editions of the May issue.

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