Maya Angelou

Children's Literature - Cindy L. Carolan

Maya Angelou may be best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which rocked the literary world in 1970. The depth of her contributions to the world may also be seen in her poetry, political activism, singing, and dancing. This deeply comprehensive profile of such an inspirational woman could be considered as much a history book as a biography. A chronology, suggestions for further reading, and selected works are also included. An interview with Ms. Angelou that took place in 2003 when she was seventy-five years old is an amazing part of the book, giving readers the opportunity to hear her words directly. Fact boxes dispersed throughout the book that contain quotes of Ms. Angelou's are another way to listen to her first hand. Other fact boxes present historical summaries of pertinent events and people. This book would be a high quality addition to a public, school, or home library and would also make a fine gift. Part of the "Legacy Edition" series (which is based on the critically acclaimed "Black Americans of Achievement" series) that includes profiles of famous Black Americans such as Josephine Baker, Scott Joplin, and Oprah Winfrey. The author has twenty-five years of experience teaching in the public school system and at the present time teaches at Drury University in Missouri. Highly recommended.