Talking Volumes with Nikki Giovanni

Minnesota Public Radio presents National Treasure Nikki Giovanni with host Kerri Miller. Giovanni will discuss her latest book of love poems entitled “Bicycle,” the companion to her 1997 book “Love Poems.”

Many of Giovanni’s books have received national awards. “Blues: For All the Changes” reached number four on the Los Angeles Times Bestseller list, a rare achievement for a book of poems. “Rosa,” a children’s picture book about the Civil Rights legend Rosa Parks, became a Caldecott Honors Book. Bryan Collier, the illustrator, was given the Coretta Scott King award for best illustration. “Rosa” also reached number three on The New York Times Bestseller list.

Giovanni’s spoken word recordings have also achieved widespread recognition and honors. “Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection” was one of five finalists for a Grammy Award.

Giovanni’s honors and awards have been plentiful throughout her career. The recipient of some twenty-five honorary degrees, she has been named Woman of the Year by Mademoiselle Magazine, The Ladies Home Journal, and Ebony Magazine. The author of some 30 books for both adults and children, Nikki Giovanni is a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.