Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou

Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou is a poetry book by Dr. Maya Angelou, edited by Dr. Edwin Wilson, and illustrated by Jerome Lagarrigue in 2007 for ages 8 and up.  This is a book of poetry of the historian and civil rights activist Dr. Maya Angelou. The book is compiled of twenty five of Dr. Angelou’s finest poems. The poems are captivating and are full of emotions. The poems are inspirational to say the least. Some of the poems that are included in this amazing book are, “Still I Rise” and “Me and My Work”. Children will be able to relate to this book of poems because many of the poems discuss experiences that one might endure. Many children can relate because they go through developmental struggles, so this can offer encouragement. This book will be a great tool for the classroom because the poems encourage hope and perseverance. I recommend this book to children young and old because it encourages them to keep their dreams alive. 

The illustrations enhance each one of the poems because they provoke emotions. The illustrations are beautiful and full of warm colors throughout. Children will be able to get a better understanding of the poems just by looking at the pictures alone. The illustrations are like beautiful paintings. They determine the mood of the poems.

 

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think poetry is important?

Which one of these poems do you relate to?

What are some of the experiences that you think Dr. Maya Angelou went through that encouraged her to write some of these poems?

How do you think the illustrations enhanced or supported the poems?

 

Poetry Activity (Understanding Poetry):

Have students draw pick out their favorite Dr. Maya Angelou poem. Have students explain the poem in their own words and draw a picture to support the poem. It might be fun for each student to share with the class. Have fun!

 

Books By the Author:

Maya Angelou: I Know Why Caged Bird Sings

The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou

Life Doesn’t Frighten Me

Letter to my Daughter

 

Resources:

Angelou, Maya. (2007). Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou. Sterling Publishing.