This sequel to "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" continues the moving autobiography of a dauntless young woman forced to undertake a variety of jobs to support herself and her infant son.

...this writing thing was some kind of magic trick I didn't yet understand... Nikki Grimes discovered the power of writing at the tender age of six, when, alone in her room, she poured her fears, anger, and tears onto a piece of paper - and felt sweet relief. Words and faith were her most enduring companions as life flung her headlong from one harrowing experience to the next through her childhood and teenage years. Words, spilled into notebook after...

Portrays the life of this multi-faceted African-American poet, author, and educator.