Debutiful's Most Anticipated Debuts of 2025

"powell is a ferocious writer with an unapologetic voice. She explores how we treat our heroes, and what heroes do and do not owe us. The poems are odes to those we lost (Whitney Houston, Left Eye) and a reminder that we’re all hiding pain. Moving and refreshing. A knockout."

 - Adam Vitcavage of Debutiful

SheReads Most Anticipated Poetry Collections of the Summer

"This lyrical and haunting debut poetry collection follows the lives of music icons, including Aaliyah, Selena, Whitney Houston, and more. It reflects on the work they have done that impacted the author’s childhood as a queer Black woman. How did they navigate media scrutiny and the pressure to perform while still being authentically themselves? These icons transformed more than just the music industry; their artistry shaped generations of fans beyond their time."

 - Juliana Fausett of SheReads

USA Today's New Must-Read Poetry Collections

"In poet m. mick powell's debut collection, Dead Girl Cameo, the deaths of iconic Black female singers and musicians − Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, Billie Holiday and Phyllis Hyman − go beyond the headlines. Powell resurrects their vivid lives and artistry to paint a more humanizing picture of their legacy while exploring themes of sexuality, survival, grief and stardom.

- Pamela Avila

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