Rating: 
Summary: It gives you a real look into Maya Angelou's troubling life.
Review: This book gives you a real understanding of how hard Maya Angelou's life really was and all the troubles she had to face. She did a great job of telling her story. Reviewed by Amy Van Horn-Lincoln Southeast High Schoo
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Summary: A good start for hard-line white republicans
Review: I think this book helped me a lot to understand the African-American culture and roots of the current friction in between two races in this country. Anyone who wants to learn about the long way blacks are coming along in U.S. should read this book and reflect what they learn into their actions and opinions. It is a must read for young white generations for living in peace with their black counterparts
Rating: 
Summary: Pushing 'the best ever'.....
Review: The one modern book on the MEB a-level reading list that is worth reading. This is the most touching, intelligent, truthful book I have ever had
the pleasure to read. Get rid of history books, if you want to knpw
what life for a young black girl in the southern sates is REALLY like read this.
Takes complete control of your emotions and has you laughing and cry
ing at the same time.
Completely 'unput-downable'!!!
Rating:
Summary: Remember when you were a kid?
Review: ...did it seem that grownups treated you like you didn't really know anything about what was going on around you? Nobody take you seriously? Tell you that you'd 'understand' when you got older?
Ms. Angelou's story of her childhood will confirm that you did know what was going on and that grownups weren't the only ones that had feelings and a point of view. And that in spite of cruelty, neglect, poverty, racism and abuse, your life as a human being can shine and have meaning
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Summary: Gripping, moving, consuming--read the whole series.
Review: When they were small, Maya and her brother were sent alone by train to live with their grandmother in the deep South. Facing poverty and racial terrors, they were keenly aware of their grandmother's strength of spirit and fierce love. The children's intelligence and bravery are touching and inspiring. This story held me in its grip and didn't let go until I'd read all the subsequent volumes about Ms. Angelou's amazing life. In spite of cruelty, tragedy and heartache, her brilliant, exhuberant spirit is undaunted. We, the readers, are carried on the wings of her courage as we vicariously accompany her. Reading these books is an experience not to be missed
Rating:
Summary: One of the best reads in a long time
Review: I've read three books recently that I found absolutely fascinating: The Secret Life of Bees, Bark of the Dogwood, and I know why the Caged Bird Sings. As far as the best, it was a toss up between "I Know" and "Dogwood." Both are well written pieces of literature with wonderful characters and an entertaining story to tell. Make no mistake, "Caged Bird" is not easy reading--it's not some pulp fiction piece. This is a real book, full of poetry, ideas, and great writing. You do have to put some work into it to get something out. But in the end you will be rewarded. Also recommended: Bark of the Dogwood, Secret Life of Bees
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Summary: Machiavellian
Review: Not a man to judge others by their Christian names, I opened this book expelling my prejudices and bias. I admit, however, that my history has caught up to me, and I will be unable to complete the undertaking. It is now obvious to me that the author, like the central character of the novel, is an insidious rebel and a Negress who will never belong here. Shut your mind - and your soul - from this treason.
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Summary: Maya as an inspiration for teachers
Review: While reading "...Caged Bird" I payed attention to Angelou's innovative writing style. She is of a new generation who dares to write about life as it really is. Instead of an autobiography that idealizes and candy-coats life, this book tells about life's embarassing and not-so-enjoyable details. I enjoyed this book. It was a fast and easy read. I would recommend it for older audiences (9th grade--on). Some of the content may not be appropriate for younger readers. Teachers: this book could be coupled with Mildred D. Taylor's "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry". It would be a great complement for authors like Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Zora Neal Hurston, Jean Toomer, Walter Dean Myers,James Baldwin... for a unit on Multicultural American literature. You could address topics like: racism, rape, relocating and its adjustments, teen pregnancy, parental roles, autobiography writing styles... I'm a 21-year-old female studying to be an Enlish teacher.
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Summary: literary brilliance
Review: <br /><br />Ms. Angelou writes with literary brilliance, and "I Know Why The caged Bird Sings" is no exception. Part poetic, part memoir...she brings her life in to full view for all to see, read and feel. She has triumphed.and isn't afraid to tell about it. I rate this highly with books such as "Nighmares Echo" and "The Color Purple" among other wonderful memoirs written in the past year or so.
Rating:
Summary: A Fine Disappointment
Review: I'm sorry, but I found this book to be boring and hard to believe. Much of the time Maya appears to be over-stating her point and the events surrounding her life. I did not finish the book.
I know that Maya is a revered poet, as she should be. But this book does not do her justice.
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