Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People

Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou

Written by Bethany Hegedus
Illustrated by Tonya Engel

What a wonderful, kid-friendly biography about the amazing life of poet, performer, writer, activist, humanitarian, Maya Angelou. What I appreciate most about the book is how the author chooses to not gloss over some of the negative experiences (sexual abuse), but navigates the topic in a manner that is appropriate for children. Despite the obstacles Angelou faced, she chose courage.

Although being violated caused her to be selectively mute for years, she was nothing but silent on the inside. As she began to speak again, people listened. I love how the book describes this once quite young girl becoming a phenomenal woman, possessing the power of spoken word that causes others to rise as well. The timeline at the end of the book and forward by her grandson, Colin Johnson, provides great insight into the life of this amazing woman! Read more >>

Buy the Book: Rise!

Originally posted on December 29, 2022.