I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is Maya Angelou’s groundbreaking debut memoir—a poetic, powerful modern classic that resonates with readers around the world.
Sent with her brother to live with their devout grandmother in a small Southern town, young Maya endures the pain of abandonment and the sting of bigotry. At eight, back under her mother’s care in St. Louis, Maya faces a traumatic assault that leaves lasting scars. But through years of hardship and prejudice, Maya discovers her own strength. In the streets of San Francisco, she learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, and the power of words can set her free.
Beloved worldwide, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a luminous testament to the resilience of the human spirit.