Maya Angelou: More Than a Poet (African-American Biographies (Raintree Paperback)) [Library Binding]

Elaine Slivinski Lisandrelli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1996 | Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: African-American Biographies (Raintree Paperback)

Portrays the life of this multi-faceted African-American poet, author, and educator.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6-9--These biographies, with their bright, appealing covers, should attract readers. Lisandrelli draws heavily on Angelou's extensive autobiographical writings, but has also culled several other sources as well. Hurston, too, provides an evenhanded portrayal of a complex and unique woman. The major strengths of both books include an adequate representation of the subjects' lives, including both exemplary and the not-so-exemplary aspects. However, in Angelou especially, the abundance of footnotes may prove distracting. The practice is much less obtrusive in Hurston. Both authors offer honest portraits of strong African American women. Their hard work, optimism, perseverance, and belief in themselves offer inspiration to readers of either sex or any ethnic origin. The short, engaging chapters are generously enhanced with interesting, informative black-and-white photographs.

Marilyn Makowski, Greenwood High School, SC

Copyright 1996 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 128 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0894906844
• ISBN-13: 978-0894906848
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 4.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,316,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Title Says It All, October 17, 2002

By 

Tonya and Amanda (Oxford, MS) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maya Angelou: More Than a Poet (African-American Biographies (Raintree Paperback)) (Library Binding)

This biography on Maya Angelou shows how various trials and accomplishments have shaped her life. What has it shaped her into? More than a poet. Maya is more than a poet and yet human, down to earth. Maya has a very diverse background and diverse accomplishments that many students would be able to relate to. The obstacles she has faced include prejudice, sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, and failed marriages. She is an accomplished writer, poet, playwright, activist, and performer. More Than a Poet moves chronologically throughout her life, showing important events that have made her an influential figure in today's society.

We would recommend this book because of its in-depth and realistic perspective on Angelou's life. We feel that the true-to-life depiction of Angelou's life and accomplishments would bring readers young and old to connect with Angelou as a human being. We would use the book in the sixth grade classroom as it has some mature content (well-handled) and its use of language would be well suited to the sixth grade reader. Perhaps the most effective use of this book would be in a biographical unit, including the study of victories in the face of hardships.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More than a poet, April 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Maya Angelou: More Than a Poet (African-American Biographies (Raintree Paperback)) (Library Binding)

My review of this book is it was a good book and it showed me how one afican american woman in the united state can do so much with her life and. I will like to see more that she show words that will make you fell them and think about what she is saying this book showed me alot of things and show me what I can do things in life even though the bad times and the good times.