Maya Angelou Finds Her Voice

Connie Roop is an award-winning author and educator who has written over one hundred children’s books including biographies, novels, humor, picture books, and science books. Seven of her books are Reading Rainbow books, including Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie. In 2013, the Wisconsin Library Association recognized Connie and her husband, Peter, as Notable Wisconsin Authors for their body of work. The Roops live in Appleton, Wisconsin.Peter Roop is an award-winning author and educator who has written over one hundred children’s books including biographies, novels, humor, picture books, and science books. Seven of his books are Reading Rainbow books, including the Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie. In 2013, the Wisconsin Library Association recognized Peter and his wife, Connie, as Notable Wisconsin Authors for their body of work, and Peter has been named a Wisconsin State Teacher of the Year. The Roops live in Appleton, Wisconsin.Noa Denmon is a Pittsburgh-based artist and illustrator who has worked with clients such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. She is interested in movement and patterns, and she is heavily influenced by the industrial landscape of Pittsburgh and how it contributes to her identity. Much of her artwork is decades-based; she was heavily inspired by Diana Ross, Cher, and David Bowie. Today, she works to bring these bright colors and patterns into stories uplifting the underrepresented; she hopes to create work that displays humanity and all its differences.

“This gorgeous picture book biography tells the story of Maya Angelou’s childhood growing up in Stamps, AR…The graphic design cast of Angelou’s words and the soft yet powerful imagery in the illustrations truly elevate the text… A perfect pairing for classes that teach I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings or other works by Angelou, this picture book will also be at home in a read-aloud or elementary setting.”