Amanda Gorman: Inspiring Hope with Poetry

By Dr. Artika R. Tyner

Poet Amanda Gorman delivered her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 presidential inauguration, winning wide acclaim. Read about Gorman’s early life, her children’s and poetry books, and what she plans to do next. 9-14 years

Amanda Gorman (My Itty-Bitty Bio)

By Eyrn Briscoe, Illustrated by Jeff Bane

The My Itty-Bitty Bio series are biographies for the earliest readers. This book examines the life of National Youth Poet Laureate and activist Amanda Gorman in a simple, age-appropriate way that will help young readers develop word recognition and reading skills. Includes a table of contents, author biography, timeline, glossary, index, and other informative backmatter. 5-6 years

Amanda Gorman (Little People Big Dreams)

By Sanchez Vegara Isabe, Illustrated by Queenbe Monyei

From an early age, Little Amanda read everything she could get her hands on, from books to cereal boxes. Growing up with an auditory processing disorder and a speech impediment, Amanda had to work hard, but ultimately she took great strength from her experiences. After hearing her teacher read aloud to the class, she knew that she wanted to become a poet, and nothing would stand in her way. At the age of 19, she became America’s first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate. After performing her inspiring poem “The Hill We Climb” at the Presidential Inauguration in January 2021, she became an icon across the world. 4-7 years

Amanda Gorman

By Jehan Jones-Radgowski

How much do you know about Amanda Gorman? Find out the facts you need to know about this impressive young poet. You’ll learn about the childhood, challenges, and accomplishments of this rising star. 5-8 years

Amanda Gorman

By Megan Borgert-Spaniol

This biography highlights the life and accomplishments of Amanda Gorman. Readers learn about Gorman’s early life in which she became Youth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, her work at Harvard University where she became National Youth Poet Laureate, and her reading at the 2021 presidential inauguration. Features include a timeline, glossary, fun facts, online resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO. 8-11 years

Books by Amanda Gorman

Something, Someday

By Amanda Gorman, Illustrated by Christian Robinson

Sometimes the world feels broken. And problems seem too big to fix. But somehow, we all have the power to make a difference. With a little faith, and maybe the help of a friend, together we can find beauty and create change. With inspiring text and stunning illustrations, Something, Someday reveals how even the smallest gesture can have a lasting impact. 3-8 years

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem

By Amanda Gorman, Illustrated by Loren Long

 As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes—big or small—in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves. With lyrical text and rhythmic illustrations, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference. 3-8 years

The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem

By Amanda Gorman

On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration. Taking the stage after the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, Gorman captivated the nation and brought hope to viewers around the globe with her call for unity and healing. Her poem “The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country” includes a foreword by Oprah Winfrey. This keepsake celebrates the promise of America and affirms the power of poetry.

The book descriptions are primarily from the publishers.

If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and/or leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author