About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling quiet or unsure of their place in the world, or when you want to celebrate the beauty of resilience. While it chronicles the life of the iconic Maya Angelou, its heart lies in the message that our voices are powerful tools for change and healing. The narrative gently guides young readers through Maya's journey from a silent young girl to a world-renowned poet, singer, and activist. It is a masterful choice for toddlers and preschoolers because it distills complex historical themes into a story about finding one's courage and using words to do good. By introducing Maya as a person who faced challenges with grace, you are giving your child a roadmap for building self-confidence and a sense of justice.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book depicts systemic racism in the segregated South. It also addresses Maya's childhood period of silence following a traumatic event (without detailing the event itself). The focus is on her emotional resilience and finding her voice. It avoids the specific trauma of her early life, focusing instead on the external environment of the segregated South and her emotional resilience. The resolution is deeply hopeful and celebratory.
