Maya Angelou Biography for Kids – Discover the inspiring life of Maya Angelou, a celebrated poet, author, and civil rights activist. Learn about her net worth, books, poems, interesting facts, and famous quotes in this kid-friendly biography.
Maya Angelou was a remarkable woman who used her words to inspire millions of people around the world. She was a poet, author, actress, and civil rights activist who overcame many challenges to become one of the most influential voices of her time. In this biography, we’ll explore Maya Angelou’s life, including her net worth, famous books and poems, interesting facts, and some of her most memorable quotes. Let’s dive into the story of this incredible woman!
Maya Angelou Biography for Kids: Life at a Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Maya Angelou (Born Marguerite Annie Johnson) |
| Profession | Poet, Author, Actress, Civil Rights Activist |
| Nationality | American |
| Age at Death | 86 |
| Education | Studied Dance and Drama, No Formal College Degree |
| Net Worth | $10 million (at the time of her death in 2014) |
| Current Positions | N/A (Deceased) |
| Previous Positions | Author, Poet, Professor, Civil Rights Activist |
| Salary | N/A (Earnings from books, speaking engagements, and performances) |
Key Takeaways
- Maya Angelou was born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri.
- She is best known for her autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
- Angelou wrote numerous books, poems, and essays that inspired people worldwide.
- Her net worth at the time of her death was estimated at $10 million.
- Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014, but her words and legacy continue to inspire.
Early Life and Background
Full Name and Birthday
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Annie Johnson on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri. She later changed her name to Maya Angelou, combining her childhood nickname, “Maya,” with a shortened version of her first husband’s last name, “Angelos.”
Family and Childhood
Maya’s childhood was not easy. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she and her brother, Bailey, were sent to live with their grandmother in Arkansas. As a child, Maya faced many challenges, including racial discrimination and personal trauma. Despite these hardships, she found solace in books and writing, which helped her express her feelings and dreams.
Education and Early Career
Education
Maya Angelou did not attend college, but she was a lifelong learner. She studied dance and drama in her early years and later became a successful performer. Her love for the arts and literature shaped her career as a writer and poet.
Early Career
Before becoming a famous author, Maya worked as a dancer, singer, and actress. She even toured Europe with a production of the opera Porgy and Bess. Her experiences in the arts gave her the confidence to pursue her passion for writing.
Books and Poems
Famous Books
Maya Angelou wrote many books, but her most famous is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, an autobiography that tells the story of her childhood and early life. This book is loved by readers of all ages and is often taught in schools. Other notable works include:
- Gather Together in My Name
- The Heart of a Woman
- Mom & Me & Mom
Famous Poems
Maya Angelou’s poems are powerful and full of emotion. Some of her most famous poems include:
- Still I Rise
- Phenomenal Woman
- On the Pulse of Morning (which she recited at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993)
Interesting Facts
- Multitalented Star: Maya Angelou was not just a writer; she was also a singer, dancer, and actress. She even won a Grammy Award for her spoken-word albums!
- First Black Female Streetcar Conductor: As a teenager, Maya became the first Black female streetcar conductor in San Francisco.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded Maya Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
- Global Influence: Maya Angelou’s works have been translated into more than 17 languages, reaching readers all over the world.
- Love for Cooking: Maya loved cooking and even wrote two cookbooks, Hallelujah! The Welcome Table and Great Food, All Day Long.
Net Worth and Legacy
Net Worth
At the time of her death in 2014, Maya Angelou’s net worth was estimated to be $10 million. She earned her wealth through her books, poems, speaking engagements, and performances.
Legacy
Maya Angelou’s words continue to inspire people of all ages. She taught us about courage, resilience, and the power of kindness. Her books and poems are still widely read, and her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched.
Death and Final Years
Death
Maya Angelou passed away on May 28, 2014, at the age of 86. Her death was a great loss to the world, but her words and wisdom remain a source of inspiration.
Conclusion
Maya Angelou’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of using your voice to make a difference. Through her books, poems, and activism, she showed us that no matter what challenges we face, we can rise above them and achieve greatness. Maya Angelou’s story is one of hope, courage, and inspiration, and her legacy will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.
FAQs About Maya Angelou Biography for Kids
1. What is Maya Angelou’s most famous book?
Maya Angelou’s most famous book is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, an autobiography about her childhood and early life.
2. What are some of Maya Angelou’s famous poems?
Some of her famous poems include Still I Rise, Phenomenal Woman, and On the Pulse of Morning.
3. How much was Maya Angelou worth?
At the time of her death in 2014, Maya Angelou’s net worth was estimated at $10 million.
4. What awards did Maya Angelou win?
Maya Angelou won many awards, including three Grammy Awards for her spoken-word albums and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
5. What is Maya Angelou’s most famous quote?
One of her most famous quotes is: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
