RISE!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People

Curious City was privileged to spend a day this past winter interviewing artist Tonya Engel and author Bethany Hegedus about their commitment to celebrate the life of Dr. Maya Angelou.
 

 
DOWNLOAD Rise!: Educators Guide created by Lee & Low Books
 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Rise!: From Caged Bird to
Poet of the People, Maya Angelou
By Bethany Hegedus
Illustrated by Tonya Engel
Published by Lee & Low Books, Inc.
ISBN-13: 9781620145876
Age Range: 8+

Writer, activist, trolley car conductor, dancer, mother, and humanitarian—Maya Angelou’s life was marked by transformation and perseverance. In this comprehensive picture-book biography geared towards older readers, Bethany Hegedus lyrically traces Maya’s life from her early days in Stamps, Arkansas through her work as a freedom fighter to her triumphant rise as a poet of the people. A foreword by Angelou’s grandson, Colin A. Johnson, describes how a love of literature and poetry helped young Maya overcome childhood trauma and turn adversity into triumph. Coupled with Tonya Engel’s metaphorical and emotive illustrations, this biography beautifully conveys the heartaches and successes of this truly phenomenal woman, and is a powerful tribute to the written word.

“The author includes a surprising amount of information in this picture book biography, especially given its sparse, narrative verse. The rich language conveys the emotions Angelou felt at different times in her life, ranging from terror to jubilance. The publisher has suggested the target audience as ages 7-10 and grades 4-6. This distinction is important to note because the story touches on specific events that may require additional explanation from an adult…The illustrations, done in acrylic and oil on textured paper, are luscious and colorful and expand on the beautifully written text…An important and powerful addition to any biography collection.”
—School Library Journal, Starred Review
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“Rhythmic words render a rich snapshot of Maya Angelou’s remarkable rise…Her multifaceted life and emotions are sensitively portrayed…In Engel’s colorful paintings, strong women are rooted like trees, injustices are weighed in scales, and words soar and fly, representing the magical realities, emotional expressiveness, and deep resonance of Angelou’s poetic vision.”
—Publishers Weekly
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“The narrative continues, Hegedus’ spare words finding symbolic representation in Engel’s oil paintings, as Maya moves through her difficult childhood to emerge as a rare talent with a young son to support…This deeply important story will foster further discussion around racism, sexual abuse, and courage.”
—Kirkus Reviews

 

THE POSTER GIVEAWAY

20 individual posters signed by the illustrator and author were given away to librarians, educators, and literacy groups. Congrats readers & winners!