"Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou's debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey,...

"Tessy knows it's futile to fall in love with a minister. What preacher-man would want a woman like her, one thought to carry bad luck, who always has leaves in her hair and ink on her fingertips? But she can't help but love the man who uses crutches to walk and whose eyes always hold warmth and acceptance. There's something else in Jeremiah's eyes, too -- a deep hurt. And Tessy wants to help ease the pain out of him." -- page 4 of cover.