Joy Harjo
Joy Harjo is a renowned American poet, musician, and author, known for her work that often incorporates Native American themes and perspectives. She served as the 23rd Poet Laureate of the United States, being the first Native American to hold the position.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. An American Sunrise
Poems
This poignant collection of poetry weaves together themes of history, displacement, and resilience, reflecting on the enduring impact of the Trail of Tears and the survival of Native American culture. Through vivid imagery and lyrical prose, the poems explore the interconnectedness of past and present, personal and collective memory, and the sacredness of the natural world. The work serves as both a tribute to ancestors and a call to honor and preserve indigenous traditions, offering a powerful meditation on identity, belonging, and the enduring spirit of a people.
The 17152nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
2. Poet Warrior
A Memoir
In this evocative memoir, the author weaves together personal anecdotes, poetry, and indigenous wisdom to explore the profound journey of self-discovery and cultural identity. Through vivid storytelling, the narrative delves into the complexities of navigating life as a Native American woman, while embracing the power of language and the spirit of resilience. The book is a testament to the enduring strength found in community, tradition, and the transformative nature of art, offering readers a poignant reflection on the interconnectedness of history, memory, and the human experience.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
3. Weaving Sundown In A Scarlet Light
Fifty Poems for Fifty Years
This collection of poetry offers a vivid tapestry of personal and cultural narratives, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Through evocative imagery and lyrical language, the poems traverse the landscapes of memory and tradition, weaving together the past and present to illuminate the enduring spirit of Indigenous heritage. The work invites readers to reflect on the beauty and complexity of life, while celebrating the strength found in community and the natural world.
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
4. Girl Warrior
Purchase from Bookshop.org -
5. Conflict Resolution For Holy Beings
A powerful, lyrical collection of poems that blends personal memory, Indigenous history, myth, and contemporary political witness into a prophetic, intimate voice; the pieces move between family story and public testimony to confront colonization, violence, and displacement while invoking ancestors, ceremony, language, and the natural world as sources of resilience and healing. The work’s spare, often incantatory lines insist on accountability, spiritual reckonings, and the possibility of repair, offering both elegy and fierce hope.
Purchase from Bookshop.org
