Clint Smith Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of's Poetry Books

About Clint Smith

Clint Smith is an American writer, poet, and scholar widely recognized for his engaging and thought-provoking work. As the acclaimed author of “How the Word Is Passed,” he reached number one on The New York Times Best Seller list, earning the prestigious 2021 National Book Critics Circle Award given for Nonfiction. His ability to weave detailed histories with personal narratives made this book one of The New York Times’ top ten books of 2021. Smith’s writing style is known for being both informative and entertaining, capturing the interest of readers across the globe.

Smith’s works reflect his strength in blending scholarship with creativity, making him a compelling voice in contemporary literature. His ability to engage readers with well-crafted narratives and insightful commentary has earned him a dedicated following. Clint Smith’s unique talent lies in his capacity to make his writing both deeply educational and richly entertaining, appealing to readers from all walks of life. His books and poetry have helped to foster a greater understanding of historical and social issues, proving his effectiveness at communicating powerful messages through his diverse range of writings.

Clint Smith’s work has a universal appeal while remaining uniquely authentic to him. His books and poetry resonate with a broad audience because they touch on universal themes such as history, identity, and social justice. Yet, Smith’s voice is distinctly his own, shaped by his personal experiences and scholarly insights. This combination of broad relevance and personal authenticity makes his writings stand out in the literary world.

By blending historical facts with personal stories, Clint Smith creates a connection with his readers that feels both intimate and enlightening. His ability to address complex issues in a relatable and understandable manner ensures his work remains approachable to many. This skill allows his writing to transcend cultural and societal boundaries, reaching readers from diverse backgrounds. His work is informative and grounded, reflecting his deep dedication to the subjects he explores.

Smith’s authenticity shines through in every piece he creates, making his work feel genuine and deeply heartfelt. His dedication to truth and his meticulous research lend credibility, while his poetic touch makes the material engaging. The universal themes he tackles, combined with his unique, authentic voice, allow his work to resonate widely and deeply. Clint Smith’s writings not only educate but also inspire, leaving a lasting impact on readers around the world.

Clint Smith’s journey as a writer, poet, and scholar is far from over, and his readers can certainly look forward to more compelling works in the future. With his unique blend of personal authenticity and universal themes, his upcoming projects are sure to continue engaging a wide audience. Smith’s dedication to his craft and his ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively promise even more insightful and inspiring content. Whether through new books, poetry collections, or other forms of writing, Clint Smith’s voice will undoubtedly continue to make a significant impact.

Early and Personal Life

Clint Smith, born on August 25, 1988, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a celebrated American writer, poet, and scholar. Growing up in a Catholic household, he attended Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans before moving to Houston, Texas, for his senior year at Awty International School. This move was prompted by Hurricane Katrina, which led his family to relocate, marking a significant chapter in his early life.

Smith pursued higher education with a strong focus on literature and writing. He attended Davidson College, where he graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. His academic journey didn’t stop there; he went on to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, further sharpening his skills and deepening his understanding of the subjects that would later inform his writing.

Throughout his development as a writer, Clint Smith found inspiration in his rich cultural heritage and personal experiences. His background and education allowed him to craft narratives that strike a balance between personal authenticity and universal appeal. As he continues to grow as an author, his unique voice and insightful perspective ensure that his future work will remain engaging and impactful for readers everywhere.

Writing Career

Clint Smith’s career as a writer is marked by a series of impressive accomplishments and accolades. He began his professional journey teaching high school English in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where his dedication earned him the Christine D. Sarbanes Teacher of the Year award from the Maryland Humanities Council. Smith then pursued a Ph.D. at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on how children sentenced to life without parole experience educational programming while incarcerated, completing his dissertation in 2020.

Smith’s literary talent is evident in his poetry and nonfiction works. His first poetry book, ‘Counting Descent,’ published in 2016, won the 2017 Literary Award for Best Poetry Book from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association and was a finalist for the NAACP Image Awards. His second book, ‘How the Word Is Passed,’ released in 2021, achieved critical acclaim, being named one of the New York Times Book Review’s ‘10 Best Books of 2021’ and winning the Dayton Literary Peace Prize for nonfiction.

Smith also contributes to The New Yorker and serves as a staff writer at The Atlantic, where his cover story, ‘Monuments to the Unthinkable,’ was a finalist for the 2023 National Magazine Awards.

How the Word Is Passed

‘How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America’ by Clint Smith was published on June 1, 2021. The book was released by Little, Brown and Company. This nonfiction historical title has since received critical acclaim and numerous accolades.

Here Clint Smith begins in his hometown of New Orleans, taking readers on a tour of landmarks that reflect the honest and dishonest truths about America’s history with slavery. He explores Monticello Plantation in Virginia, where Thomas Jefferson owned over 400 enslaved people, despite his advocacy for liberty. The book also highlights the Whitney Plantation, dedicated to preserving the lives and experiences of enslaved people, and Angola Prison, a former plantation turned maximum-security prison.

Through thorough research and compelling narratives, Smith illustrates how the legacy of slavery remains deeply embedded in various American sites, from cemeteries to entire neighborhoods, providing new insights into our collective history and memory.