From School Library Journal
Gr 9 Up--A collection of essays by literary scholars and noted faculty. The essays in the first chapter focus on Angelou's life and the forces that molded her; they explore her use of fictional autobiography in the second chapter. Chapter Three studies I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in depth, and essays in Chapter Four discuss several of Angelou's other works, including her "Oprah book," The Heart of a Woman. The chronology following the text clearly delineates Angelou's strong rise upward to 1995; it's unfortunate that it's not at the end of the first chapter. The lengthy list of works for further research includes recent titles that are available in many libraries. While information about Angelou and her work is easily found in many sources, students will appreciate the diverse voices found here. A useful research tool and a help to increasing personal enjoyment of this writer's work, this title deserves to be in most libraries.
Susan R. Farber, Ardsley Public Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
