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Poetry for Young People
Maya Angelou
Award-winning poet, author, playwright, historian, songwriter, singer, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, and civil rights Dr. Maya Angelou needs no introduction. She is a true American icon—and now she is the first living poet included in Sterling’s celebrated Poetry for Young People series. Twenty-five of her finest poems capture a range of emotions and experiences, from the playful “Harlem Hopscotch” to the prideful “Me and My Work” to the soul-stirring “Still I Rise.” While her writings deal with the historic struggles of African-Americans, they all resonate with spiritual strength and hope for the future that everyone can relate to. A special inclusion in this volume is “A Brave and Startling Truth,” written to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. Award-winning artist Jerome Lagarrigue masterfully illustrates each verse with evocative, stunning pictures. Dr. Edwin Graves Wilson, the Provost Emeritus of Wake Forest University and a longtime colleague of Dr. Angelou, has written the book’s introduction, the introductions to the individual poems, and the annotations.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2007
9 people are currently reading
1499 people want to read
About the author
Maya Angelou
296 books14.6k followersMaya Angelou was an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees. Angelou's series of seven autobiographies focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.
She became a poet and writer after a string of odd jobs during her young adulthood. These included fry cook, sex worker, nightclub performer, Porgy and Bess cast member, Southern Christian Leadership Conference coordinator, and correspondent in Egypt and Ghana during the decolonization of Africa. Angelou was also an actress, writer, director, and producer of plays, movies, and public television programs. In 1982, she was named the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Angelou was active in the Civil Rights Movement and worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Beginning in the 1990s, she made approximately 80 appearances a year on the lecture circuit, something she continued into her eighties. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961.
With the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Angelou publicly discussed aspects of her personal life. She was respected as a spokesperson for Black people and women, and her works have been considered a defense of Black culture. Her works are widely used in schools and universities worldwide, although attempts have been made to ban her books from some U.S. libraries. Angelou's most celebrated works have been labeled as autobiographical fiction, but many critics consider them to be autobiographies. She made a deliberate attempt to challenge the common structure of the autobiography by critiquing, changing, and expanding the genre. Her books center on themes that include racism, identity, family, and travel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
April 29, 2019
Of course I recommend this, as I do almost every book in this series. I only have two comments.
First, I admit that I've never read anything by Angelou before and was blown away by the beauty and power and accessibility of these poems. Second, I find it interesting that the copy I was able to request came from the Ralph Ellison Library of OKC:
"The Ralph Ellison Library opened in its current location in 1975. Named in honor of Oklahoma City native and acclaimed author Ralph Ellison, this library is in one of Oklahoma City’s historically African-American neighborhoods yet serves a diverse group of residents. Customers rely on the library to find basic information about voting, taxes, tutoring, government assistance, and a variety of other fundamental needs. In addition, the library serves a dynamic population of motivated customers ranging from school-age children to young adults and elders in the community. The Library serves as an essential hub for services, research, programs and events linking members of the larger community to one another."
First, I admit that I've never read anything by Angelou before and was blown away by the beauty and power and accessibility of these poems. Second, I find it interesting that the copy I was able to request came from the Ralph Ellison Library of OKC:
"The Ralph Ellison Library opened in its current location in 1975. Named in honor of Oklahoma City native and acclaimed author Ralph Ellison, this library is in one of Oklahoma City’s historically African-American neighborhoods yet serves a diverse group of residents. Customers rely on the library to find basic information about voting, taxes, tutoring, government assistance, and a variety of other fundamental needs. In addition, the library serves a dynamic population of motivated customers ranging from school-age children to young adults and elders in the community. The Library serves as an essential hub for services, research, programs and events linking members of the larger community to one another."
February 12, 2017
My six-year-old and I recently started going through the Poetry for Young People series. Maya Angelou is our second book (R.L. Stevenson was our first).
I really appreciate the brief commentaries that precede the poems.
Just one thing I did not like about this particular book, and it is a very important point for me:
We'd read Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" prior to reading this anthology. Was disappointed to find a censored -- "abridged" -- version here. This abridgment should have been clearly noted. Now I'm not sure if there are other abridged/censored poems in this series. Whenever possible, I prefer to read the full, original, uncensored versions of literary works. If they're not so, please make this clear.
I really appreciate the brief commentaries that precede the poems.
Just one thing I did not like about this particular book, and it is a very important point for me:
We'd read Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise" prior to reading this anthology. Was disappointed to find a censored -- "abridged" -- version here. This abridgment should have been clearly noted. Now I'm not sure if there are other abridged/censored poems in this series. Whenever possible, I prefer to read the full, original, uncensored versions of literary works. If they're not so, please make this clear.
June 10, 2015
Encouraging, Moving & Inspiring! A Beautiful Read!
July 14, 2017
Poetry: 5 stars
Illustrations: 5 stars
A lovely volume of selected Maya Angelou poems. For the sake of comprehension, the poems each contain a glossary and an introduction by a long-term colleague of hers at Wake Forest University. Even with these efforts, these poems were written for adults and will not be understood by typical picture-book-aged children, nor will they relate to the content.
This is a picture book for middle school students (or beyond). The illustrations are lovely and will help create interest. The selection of poems is good. The annotations and definitions will aid clarity. This book serves as a solid introduction for that age group to the poetry, and life, of Maya Angelou. Use in a classroom poetry unit, writing workshop, or independently.
Illustrations: 5 stars
A lovely volume of selected Maya Angelou poems. For the sake of comprehension, the poems each contain a glossary and an introduction by a long-term colleague of hers at Wake Forest University. Even with these efforts, these poems were written for adults and will not be understood by typical picture-book-aged children, nor will they relate to the content.
This is a picture book for middle school students (or beyond). The illustrations are lovely and will help create interest. The selection of poems is good. The annotations and definitions will aid clarity. This book serves as a solid introduction for that age group to the poetry, and life, of Maya Angelou. Use in a classroom poetry unit, writing workshop, or independently.
February 18, 2018
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Poetry has always been an abstract concept for me. I am too literal for it I think. It’s difficult for me to enjoy because of that. I did enjoy this short book of poems even though I wasn’t able to really comprehend most of them.
I figured if I start small, ie in the children’s section for these kinds of things they may be easier to understand. Also, if I end up not liking it, I can still finish it without wasting a lot of time ya know?
This is my first poetry book ever. I liked it well enough, but I don’t think this genre is one that will be one of my favorites any time soon.
My favorite poems were Preacher, Don’t Send Me, Life Doesn’t Frighten Me and Harlem Hopscotch. I also enjoyed Still I Rise but I think it was abridged. All in all is was an interesting collection and I will be reading more of this series Poetry for Young People so my daughter and I can get a small taste of this genre.
Poetry has always been an abstract concept for me. I am too literal for it I think. It’s difficult for me to enjoy because of that. I did enjoy this short book of poems even though I wasn’t able to really comprehend most of them.
I figured if I start small, ie in the children’s section for these kinds of things they may be easier to understand. Also, if I end up not liking it, I can still finish it without wasting a lot of time ya know?
This is my first poetry book ever. I liked it well enough, but I don’t think this genre is one that will be one of my favorites any time soon.
My favorite poems were Preacher, Don’t Send Me, Life Doesn’t Frighten Me and Harlem Hopscotch. I also enjoyed Still I Rise but I think it was abridged. All in all is was an interesting collection and I will be reading more of this series Poetry for Young People so my daughter and I can get a small taste of this genre.
March 30, 2022
This series makes poetry accessible for young and old alike! I highly recommend supplementing with videos of Angelou reading her own poetry - there are plenty available on YouTube.
March 22, 2015
POETRY
This book of poetry by Maya Angelou is perfect for children ages 9-12. The 25 poems in this book are mostly about African American life and culture, but are interesting and powerful for everyone to read. These poems capture a range of emotions, including the struggles of finding one's identity, but also cheerful moments like playing hopscotch with friends. Some of the poems are simple and address aspects of every day life, like cooking dinner. There are also more complex poems that discuss some struggles of African American life and touchy topics like religion.
I really like how the book starts with an introduction of Maya Angelou. The background information about her is helpful when trying to relate to and understand the poems that she wrote. Another feature that I like is how some of the more difficult words used in the poems are defined at the bottom of each page, which is very helpful for young readers. The illustrations by Jerome Lagarrigue are also a great addition to the poetry by Maya Angelou.
This book can be used as a multicultural piece in the classroom to teach about African American culture and some of the struggles that African Americans faced in the past and also in the present. Students can also learn about the different features of poetry using the poems in this book. There is rhyming, repetition, similes, and metaphors that can be discussed using the poems in this book. Through her poetry, Angelou encourages readers to stay positive and strong while facing adversity. This life lesson can be discussed with students while reading this book. Students can also be taught about the usage of poetry to express their thoughts and emotions.
This book of poetry by Maya Angelou is perfect for children ages 9-12. The 25 poems in this book are mostly about African American life and culture, but are interesting and powerful for everyone to read. These poems capture a range of emotions, including the struggles of finding one's identity, but also cheerful moments like playing hopscotch with friends. Some of the poems are simple and address aspects of every day life, like cooking dinner. There are also more complex poems that discuss some struggles of African American life and touchy topics like religion.
I really like how the book starts with an introduction of Maya Angelou. The background information about her is helpful when trying to relate to and understand the poems that she wrote. Another feature that I like is how some of the more difficult words used in the poems are defined at the bottom of each page, which is very helpful for young readers. The illustrations by Jerome Lagarrigue are also a great addition to the poetry by Maya Angelou.
This book can be used as a multicultural piece in the classroom to teach about African American culture and some of the struggles that African Americans faced in the past and also in the present. Students can also learn about the different features of poetry using the poems in this book. There is rhyming, repetition, similes, and metaphors that can be discussed using the poems in this book. Through her poetry, Angelou encourages readers to stay positive and strong while facing adversity. This life lesson can be discussed with students while reading this book. Students can also be taught about the usage of poetry to express their thoughts and emotions.
December 3, 2017
Short and easy. Just like I like my poetry. I'm trying to stretch myself. I'm generally not a poetry fan.
March 19, 2021
This book is a compilation of twenty-five Maya Angelou poems. It is beautifully illustrated with an introduction that provides a biography of Maya Angelou. Each poem is preceded by a short commentary with important background information and/or issues to think about when reading the poem. Certain vocabulary words are defined at the end of each poem. All of these things make the book a very approachable poetry book for upper elementary students in either fourth or fifth grade.
While some of the poems in the book are complex and may tackle difficult subjects, plenty of the poems are very accessible for upper elementary students. I loved the poem “Willie” about Ms. Angelou’s uncle, which captured how he looked, how he walked, how he came across to others, and his beautiful outlook on life. I would use this poem as a character study and ask students to think of a person in their life to write a few lines about. I also thought the poem “On Aging” would be a wonderful perspective for the students: “I’m the same person I was back then/A little less hair, a little less chin.” Both of these poems were ones that struck me as appropriate for this age group. Other poems tackle issues such as poverty, race, and slavery, and while they are difficult subjects, this book would be a wonderful way to get children to think about all of these issues from the perspective of one of our country’s most beloved poets.
While some of the poems in the book are complex and may tackle difficult subjects, plenty of the poems are very accessible for upper elementary students. I loved the poem “Willie” about Ms. Angelou’s uncle, which captured how he looked, how he walked, how he came across to others, and his beautiful outlook on life. I would use this poem as a character study and ask students to think of a person in their life to write a few lines about. I also thought the poem “On Aging” would be a wonderful perspective for the students: “I’m the same person I was back then/A little less hair, a little less chin.” Both of these poems were ones that struck me as appropriate for this age group. Other poems tackle issues such as poverty, race, and slavery, and while they are difficult subjects, this book would be a wonderful way to get children to think about all of these issues from the perspective of one of our country’s most beloved poets.
February 27, 2018
I went to the library today in search of a poetry book. I found the series Poetry for Young People Maya Angelou. In celebration of African American History Month, I made the decision to checkout this book and I am so happy I did! Maya Angelou herself is a notable figure in not only Black American culture but Literature as a whole. I truly enjoyed the brief bio that preceded the 25 poems in the book. I also found the brief summary of the poems on the top of each page helpful in capturing a deeper understanding of the joys, sorrow, woes, and imagery of the writing before actually even reading the poem. I would suggest the target children audience would be between the ages 9-13. Some of the content and imagery may need a little more prior knowledge and developed vocabulary to truly comprehend the message within the poems. All in all, the book was well composed and the illustrations by Jerome Lagarrigue helped give the depth and overall mood of the poems. This is a must READ!
January 23, 2021
Obviously, this little collection of Maya Angelou poetry gets five stars. The topmost reason I like doing various reading challenges is to push myself to read more diverse authors and types of works, and I admit to almost never reading poetry. So, for this prompt I decided to choose something digestible, and something I could read together with my six-year-old daughter. I try to expose her to characters and authors of color, both in things we read and the various media she watches (representation is important!), so we read this together and talked about what the Angelou was trying to show and help us feel with her poems. Each work has a great little introduction, and this is a great start for children (and adults) to ease into poetry.
Format: Hardcover, owned
Read for: 2021 Reading Women Challenge Prompt 13 - Poetry Collection by a Black Woman
Format: Hardcover, owned
Read for: 2021 Reading Women Challenge Prompt 13 - Poetry Collection by a Black Woman
June 17, 2022
Genre: Poetry
This deeply moving and stunning summary of the Afro-American soul force reaffirms President Kennedy's wonderful and hopeful wisdom from another time in the American Experience:
"Where power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations; where power narrows the areas of man's concerns, poetry reminds him of the richness of his diversity and experience; where power corrupts, poetry cleanses." These 25 selections glow with utter vitality in ranging through Black expressions of childhood, work, freedom, enslavement, aging, the South, and other troubled and tender topics which blossom into a universal song and shout. With young adult audiences in mind, the text includes moving illustrations to better portray the poetic lyricism as well as helpful definitions of colloquial terms and related vocabulary. What a voice! What a message!
This deeply moving and stunning summary of the Afro-American soul force reaffirms President Kennedy's wonderful and hopeful wisdom from another time in the American Experience:
"Where power leads man towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations; where power narrows the areas of man's concerns, poetry reminds him of the richness of his diversity and experience; where power corrupts, poetry cleanses." These 25 selections glow with utter vitality in ranging through Black expressions of childhood, work, freedom, enslavement, aging, the South, and other troubled and tender topics which blossom into a universal song and shout. With young adult audiences in mind, the text includes moving illustrations to better portray the poetic lyricism as well as helpful definitions of colloquial terms and related vocabulary. What a voice! What a message!
April 22, 2025
Poetry for Young People is simply incredible. If I could give it ten stars, I would. Every poem in this collection feels like a warm embrace and a call to stand tall, no matter what. I found myself re-reading lines, feeling a sense of peace and power that only Angelou can evoke. Her words aren’t just poetry, they’re life lessons wrapped in beautiful verses.
I love how Angelou’s poems make you want to take on the world with confidence and grace and yet, she does it in a way that feels timeless, making every reader feel like she’s speaking directly to them.
What I appreciate most is how accessible the poems are, even to younger readers. Each poem is a reminder to be proud of who you are and to rise above whatever life throws your way.
I love how Angelou’s poems make you want to take on the world with confidence and grace and yet, she does it in a way that feels timeless, making every reader feel like she’s speaking directly to them.
What I appreciate most is how accessible the poems are, even to younger readers. Each poem is a reminder to be proud of who you are and to rise above whatever life throws your way.
September 28, 2022
What a tremendous book - and a super idea for a series - this is. An accessible collection of great poetry from great poets. This short collection introduces young readers to Maya Angelou through a detailed and simple introduction to her life and work. The short commentaries provided for each poem by Edwin Graves Wilson give young readers a context to the poem and a brief explanation. The glossary for each poem is also welcome. This is a wonderful book with Angelou’s wonderful poetry. I will certainly seek out others in the series to read, share, and discuss with Flo and Eadie in the future.
September 10, 2023
I picked this up in a charity shop and having heard a great deal about Maya Angelou but not having read any of her work I decided to get it even though it’s aimed at kids.
It was an interesting collection of some of hr poems and though I wasn’t keen on a few of them, her ability to show such emotion and feeling of the world around her was clear to see.
Still I Rise was one that struck a particular cord.
I would recommend this to people not just children, there’s something about Mayas words that hit differently and I shall certainly be keeping my eye out for more of her books.
It was an interesting collection of some of hr poems and though I wasn’t keen on a few of them, her ability to show such emotion and feeling of the world around her was clear to see.
Still I Rise was one that struck a particular cord.
I would recommend this to people not just children, there’s something about Mayas words that hit differently and I shall certainly be keeping my eye out for more of her books.
February 27, 2024
We enjoyed reading a poem a day over the last month or so, though the kids struggled at times to follow what was being said. I didn't realized that some of the poems had been abridged though until we looked up a video of Angelou reciting one of her poems and it had a whole stanza that wasn't in the book. I know it's a book for children, but I would have appreciated some way to alert that the poem was abridged since I now have no easy way to know if or which others are as well.
April 22, 2021
I have always wanted to learn more about Maya Angelou. I absolutely love her poetry, so I was very happy once I was able to dig into this book. It gives a small biography in the beginning, and the rest of the book is some of her poetry. The pages are very colorful, and the pictures match the style and feel of the poetry perfectly. This is a great poetry book for kids to read.
February 10, 2022
A great collection of Maya Angelou's poetry, arranged for young people. I think the intended audience is a bit older than my kids (currently 7 & 9), but I'm glad I read it with them, and look forward to doing so again over the years . . .
September 26, 2022
A beautifully illustrated collection of Angelou's poetry. It wasn't the most successful we've read--while I enjoyed the poetry a good deal, the girls had trouble understanding and connecting with it.
February 18, 2025
Just picked this one up and opened the book to land on one of my all time favourites - Caged Bird.
I can taste this poem on my tongue if that is understandable.
The cover and the paintings are beautiful.
This is not a book but a feeling...
I can taste this poem on my tongue if that is understandable.
The cover and the paintings are beautiful.
This is not a book but a feeling...
January 4, 2018
How can one go wrong with a book of poetry by Maya Angelou? Add the beautiful illustrations by Jerome Lagarrigue and you have a definite winner.
May 30, 2019
Nice collection of Angelou's poetry. Lovely illustrations.
March 29, 2021
These Poetry For Young People collections are just perfect.
October 22, 2021
Finished last year, for Sage’s school. Forgot to mark it read.
Love the illustrations and Maya Angelou is a wonderful read.
Love the illustrations and Maya Angelou is a wonderful read.
December 27, 2023
This series is so beautiful for adults and kids alike. And Maya Angelou was a national treasure.
April 30, 2024
A masterpiece. Part of a series for young readers.
May 7, 2024
Maya Angelou is so cool. Such great poetry.
March 22, 2025
Probably the Poet that has caught my kids attention the most!
March 9, 2018
Poetry For Young People is a collection of amazing poems written by Maya Angelou. Most related to social justice, slavery, and the african culture. My favourite poem “Still I Rise” is a poem all about the superior people in life and no matter how much the hurt you, you will always come stronger. Even though it says for it’s for young people, it’s a must read for everyone.
February 28, 2017
A wonderful introduction to the written works of Maya Angelou.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews