I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Title: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Author: Maya Angelou
ISBN: 0-553-380001-X
Recommended Grade Level of Reader: 10th and Up
Publisher: Bantam Books
Media Type: Book
Copyright: 1970
Genre: Memoir

Reader's Annotation: An autobiographical account of a New York Times Best Selling author and world renowned poet. Maya Angelou's humor and sincerity reveals what is truly in the heart of a woman.

Plot Summary: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is an autobiographical tale of Maya Angelou’s childhood beginning in Stamps, Arkansas through her late adolescence in San Francisco, California. Living in the south as an African American girl, Angelou experiences prejudice, racism, and intolerance. Angelou’s grandmother, with whom Angelou is living and being raised by, serves as a strong role-model for the young girl. She later goes on to live with her mother on the west coast.

Evaluation: (A+) In true Maya Angelou fashion, Caged Bird is written with eloquence and emotion. The author writes with a unique ability for description that allows the reader to see and hear the characters in Angelou's memoir. One can't help to feel as if he or she knows Momma, Vivian Baxter, and Maya Angelou herself. While not always serious and straight faced, Angelou interjects humor in her narrative. It is Angelou's humor that helps to ease the pain and horror of the seemingly humorless events she faced.  This is a good book to show teens that despite social class, race, ethnicity, or sex, people can live up to their full potential and accomplish goals they set out to achieve.    

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Persepolis

Title: Persepolis
Director: Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud
Based on the Graphic Novel by: Marjane Satrapi
Featuring the Voices of: Chiara Mastroianni, Sean Penn, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands, and Iggy Pop
ISBN: 0-43396-22527-5
Rating: PG-13
Suitable for Ages: Some Material Not Suitable for Children Under the Age of 13 (Mature Thematic Material Includes: Violent Images, Sexual References, Languages and Brief Nudity)
Production Company: Sony Pictures Classics
Media Type: DVD
Copyright: 2008
Genre: Drama

Reader's Annotation: Surrounded by violence and war, Marjane must leave her family and country to protect herself and her freedom. No matter where you put down your roots, however, it is hard to escape the difficulties of adolescence.

Plot Summary: Persepolis tells the story of a young Iranian girl growing up during the time of war and an oppressive government. Her parents send her away to protect her. In hopes of giving her a better life she is sent to live with her mother's friend in Vienna. Although she doesn't stay living there long, she remains in Austria through her adolescence. While she initially experiences homesickness and culture shock she eventually finds her niche, falls in love, and later succumbs to heart break. Depressed and disillusioned, Marjane returns home to Tehran to be with her family. The war is over, but hard times still prevail and Marjane must find ways to cope or leave the country once again.

Evaluation: (A+) Persepolis provides for an interesting, thought provoking, suspenseful story about a time in history and a culture that is foreign to many. While this is an animated film, the plot is realistic with characters who express true and meaningful emotions. Marjane is a young woman who says what she feels and sticks up for what she believes in. Whether she is talking about her failed relationships or making a point about women's rights, her words are heartfelt and convincing. Additionally, the animation in this movie is unique and noteworthy. The drawings are simple yet detailed and although incredible, they do not take away from the story.

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