I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings image number 0

Maya Angelou's debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Her life story is told in the documentary film And Still I Rise, as seen on PBS's American Masters.

Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou's debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide.

Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local "powhitetrash." At eight years old and back at her mother's side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age--and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors ("I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare") will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.

Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.

"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity."--James Baldwin

Item Information Item Information

Format: TradePaperback
Author: Angelou, Maya
ISBN: 9780812980028
Condition: Used
Dimensions: 8.22 x 0.80
Number Of Pages: 304
Publication Year: 2009

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5 ★ 67%

4 ★ 33%

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4.7

3 Ratings

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Amazing

Megan H. - 4 years 11 months ago

This book was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. I could read it ten more times and not get sick of it. #SpringPicks
An Honest Portrayal

Tyrean M. - 5 years 6 months ago

The first time I read this book, I was shocked at the portrayal of childhood trauma and racism, but I also appreciated the honesty of it. I think this book is an important book for all older teens and adults to read to truly understand the trauma of sexual violence against children and the trauma of racism. I recommend this book to teens and adults, especially those who might discuss this book in a book club or with others. #bannedbook
Important truths by an incredible woman

Lindsey F. - 5 years 6 months ago

This book is such an important part of history. It may be the story of one girl becoming a woman, but it shows so much of reality that people don’t want to deal with or admit is real. This book made me feel like I wasn’t alone in my suffering and experiences, as well as providing hope in her truths. We lost an amazing human being when Maya Angelou passed, but I hope her example will carry on for a long, long time. Thank you for sharing your story with the world, Maya Angelou; May you Rest In Peace. #BannedBook

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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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Amazing

An Honest Portrayal

Important truths by an incredible woman