Maya's Song
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Maya's Song is a picture book of poems that celebrate the life of world renowned poet and activist, Maya Angelou. Written by Newbery Honoree Renée Watson (and illustrated by Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner Bryan Collier (All Because You Matter), the book transports readers. Maya's Song tells the story of Angelou's life in free verse, including lots of little-known facts about her extraordinary experiences. Themes of the book include perseverance, using your voice, and believing in your power. The book describes but does not illustrate the Ku Klux Klan looking for Maya's uncle in order to harm him. And there's a reference to the trauma Maya suffered as a 7-year-old child that caused to to remain silent for five years, when "her mother's boyfriend/ hurt her body, hurt her soul."
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What's the Story?
MAYA'S SONG is a collection of poems that chronicle distinct chapters in Maya Angelou's life, beginning with her birth in St. Louis in 1928, during a time of segregation. At an early age, Maya has a love for written words by legendary poets and writers like Shakespeare and Langston Hughes. Just as her love of reading and storytelling began, she experienced a trauma that left her speechless for five years. Author Renée Watson describes what happened in minimal terms: "her mother's boyfriend / hurt her body, hurt her soul." She goes on to say Maya's family surrounded her with love and encouragement during this challenging time, and she knew her potential to be great.
One day she spoke again, reading a poem from a poetry book. As Watson writes in a poem titled "Rebirth," "She [...] opened the book, opened her mouth, and words came out. First in a whisper, then in a shout." Maya went on to use her strong voice to propel herself forward and achieve her dreams. In Watson's poem "Unexpected Blessing," she says of Maya, "She told herself over and over,/ Believe in yourself, trust you are enough." Although she faced several hurdles in life, Maya traveled the world as a singer, poet, activist, and writer. She became friends with some of the most well known change-makers, including Martin Luther King Jr. and author James Baldwin. As a "preacher and a teacher" she used her voice for good, and inspired a new generation of storytellers.
Is It Any Good?
This book is a profound experience for readers young and old, alike. Maya's Song includes important facts about the poet in both the main text, an author's note and illustrator's note, and a timeline -- such as being the first Black woman to appear on a U.S. quarter and the first women to deliver the presidential inaugural poem (at President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993).
The beautiful collage art, a mix of photographs and watercolor paintings, engages readers. And the story honors a "Black girl whose voice / chased away darkness, ushered in light."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Maya's Song shares many facts about Maya Angelou's life. What is something new you learned from the book? What is something you want to learn more about?
Illustrator Bryan Collier uses beautiful images to bring the story to life. Which illustration was your favorite? Which color stands out most in this illustration? How do you think this picture is supposed to make you feel?
Maya was known for being an amazing storyteller and poet. Write a short story or poem about your own life, and share it with your parent or caregiver.
Book Details
- Author: Renée Watson
- Illustrator: Bryan Collier
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Activism, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date: September 20, 2022
- Number of pages: 48
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: September 29, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Emotional reframing of U.S. history, slavery, and rebirth.
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Change Sings: A Children's Anthem
Beautiful, lyrical story inspires children to create change.
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We Shall Overcome
Powerful anthem and bold art tell story of Black activism.
For kids who love poetry and biographies
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