I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Why I recommend it

Angelou writes about the pain and pleasures of childhood, and the people and books that helped her find her voice. Her young self feels alive on the page.

What stayed with me

Reading and language can offer refuge and a way back toward other people. Finding a voice takes care and courage.

Who it’s useful for

Readers of memoir and coming-of-age stories.

A tension or limitation

The memoir includes racism and childhood sexual assault. Those experiences are difficult to read about.