I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
The foundational first volume of Angelou's seven-book autobiographical sequence.
Author guide
Maya Angelou Books in Order
Maya Angelou (1928–2014), born Marguerite Annie Johnson, was an American poet, memoirist, essayist, playwright, performer, educator, and civil rights activist. Her seven autobiographical books, beginning with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and her influential poetry established her as a defining voice in American literature. She also wrote essay collections, children's books, cookbooks, plays, and musical works, and taught American studies at Wake Forest University.
memoirpoetryessaysplaywritingchildren's literaturecookbooks
Not sure where to begin?
Start with one of these
Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie
Angelou's first published poetry collection.
Read in order
Books by series
autobiography-series · complete
Maya Angelou autobiographies
Maya Angelou's seven-volume autobiographical sequence, tracing her life from childhood through adulthood and reconciliation with her mother.
- 1 I Know Why the Caged Bird SingsAmazon ↗
Book 1 · memoir · 1969
- 2
Gather Together in My NameAmazon ↗Book 2 · memoir · 1974
- 3
Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like ChristmasAmazon ↗Book 3 · memoir · 1976
- 4
The Heart of a WomanAmazon ↗Book 4 · memoir · 1981
- 5
All God's Children Need Traveling ShoesAmazon ↗Book 5 · memoir · 1986
- 6
A Song Flung Up to HeavenAmazon ↗Book 6 · memoir · 2002
- 7 Mom & Me & MomAmazon ↗
Book 7 · memoir · 2013
children's-series · complete
Maya's World
A four-book children's series featuring children from different countries and cultures.
- 1 Maya's World: Izak of LaplandAmazon ↗
Book 1 · children's-book · 2004
- 2 Maya's World: Angelina of ItalyAmazon ↗
Book 2 · children's-book · 2004
- 3 Maya's World: Renée Marie of FranceAmazon ↗
Book 3 · children's-book · 2004
- 4
Maya's World: Mikale of HawaiiAmazon ↗Book 4 · children's-book · 2004
Outside the series
Bibliography by category
Nonfiction (2)
Essays and speeches (3)
Children's books (4)
Poetry (13)
- Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I DiiieAmazon ↗
poetry-collection · 1971
- Oh Pray My Wings Are Gonna Fit Me WellAmazon ↗
poetry-collection · 1975
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And Still I RiseAmazon ↗poetry-collection · 1978
-
Shaker, Why Don't You Sing?Amazon ↗poetry-collection · 1983
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Now Sheba Sings the SongAmazon ↗illustrated-poetry · 1987
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I Shall Not Be MovedAmazon ↗poetry-collection · 1990
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On the Pulse of MorningAmazon ↗poem-book · 1993
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A Brave and Startling TruthAmazon ↗poem-book · 1995
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Amazing Peace: A Christmas PoemAmazon ↗poem-book · 2005
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Mother: A Cradle to Hold MeAmazon ↗poem-book · 2006
- Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and PrayerAmazon ↗
poetry-collection · 2006
- His Day Is Done: A Nelson Mandela TributeAmazon ↗
poem-book · 2014
-
Life Doesn't Frighten MeAmazon ↗illustrated-poetry · 1993