“There is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Amanda Gorman, The Hill We Climb
Amanda Gorman, 22, is the youngest inaugural poet in the history of the United States. Yesterday, she presented her original poem, "The Hill We Climb," in front of President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, several former Presidential families, and a divided nation. She wrote the poem after the January 6 riots, when she realized she had to present a message of hope to a hurting nation. In Gorman's words, "I wanted it to be a message of hope and unity. And I think that Wednesday for me really just underscored how much that was needed. But to not turn a blind eye to the cracks that really need to be filled."
If you fell in love with her poetry yesterday, you'll be happy to know she has three books coming out this year. Here is a list of what's to come:
The Hill We Climb
This special edition of the poem "The Hill We Climb," was read at the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, on January 20, 2021. On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet, at age twenty-two, to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration. Her inaugural poem, "The Hill We Climb," is now available to cherish in this special edition.
The Hill We Climb: Poetry Collection
Including “The Hill We Climb,” the stirring poem read at the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, this debut collection of the same name reveals an energizing and unforgettable new voice in America poetry.
Change Sings
"I can hear change humming/ In its loudest, proudest song./ I don't fear change coming,/ And so I sing along."
In this stirring, much-anticipated picture book by inaugural Youth Poet Laureate and activist Amanda Gorman, anything is possible when our voices join together. 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 that build to a dazzling crescendo by #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Loren Long, Change Sings is a triumphant call to action for everyone to use their abilities to make a difference.
