A Cruelty Special to Our Species is the debut poetry collection by South Korean–born poet Emily Jungmin Yoon, published in 2018 by Ecco Press.

[4] Publishers Weekly gave the book a starred review, stating "Yoon’s is a brave new voice that respects how the past informs the present.

"[8] Nashville Review wrote that Yoon's debut "is rich with moments of admirable reckoning and witness, offering a study of how historical narratives might follow a speaker into shaping her own fierce, sharp lineage.

"[9] RHINO Poetry stated that the book both "holds fast to its tone of measured rage and sardonicism, and maintains a steady eye that demands accountability" but also "uplifts as it bears witness".

[10] The Washington Post named the book as one of the best collections to read in October of 2018, stating "Yoon’s work is compelling in part because it shows the importance of understanding history and its enduring impact.