Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman was born on March 7th, 1998 and is currently 28 years old. Amanda Gorman was born in Los Angeles, USA.

Amanda Gorman became the youngest poet to write and read a poem at a presidential inauguration in 2021.

Gorman began her writing career at 5 years old. In middle school, she would read poems by Sonia Sanchez, which she truly loved. Her book Change Sings, tailored for young children, is written in a poetic style and showcases the readers on the power of positive action, music and community. She uses her poetry skills to create a story that feels both musical and motivational.

When the book opens, we are introduced to a young girl as she listens to a “song of change” and then decides to sing along. She walks down her neighborhood and invites the neighbors to join her, and meets other kids who have their own unique voices and talents.

The young kids unite to form a small band, symbolizing unity and cooperation. But the kids don’t sing about change; they unite and work to improve their surroundings. They help the neighborhood clean the environment and provide support to those who need it.

Such action reminds the readers that change doesn’t require grand gestures but just everyday kindness and teamwork. Amanda places strong emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity. We get to learn that the kids come from different backgrounds, and it’s their differences that enrich the group rather than divide it. This diversity helps encourage young readers that people can achieve more in unity than working alone. Readers also learn that every voice matters, helping children understand that their ideas and actions have value.

What readers will love about Amanda Gorman’s book is the illustrations throughout the pages. The visual details also help the readers tag along with the character's journey as the group expands and the community begins to change. What also makes Change Sings unique is the musical structure. The text reads like a song thanks to its repetitions and rhythm, which create a sense of movement.

Amanda Gorman: Awards & Accolades

Gorman's book, Call Us What We Carry / The Hill We Climb and Other Poems won the Goodreads Awards, Best Poetry, in 2022.

Amanda Gorman: Lists & Other Mentions

• The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2021.
• Change Sings: A Children's Anthem: #1 Hardcover Fiction Best Seller in 2021.
• Call Us What We Carry / The Hill We Climb and Other Poems:
  1. New York Times: #1 Fiction Best Seller in 2021 and 2022.
  2. Time Magazine: 100 Must-Read Books Selection in 2021.

Related Authors

Fans of Amanda Gorman also enjoy these authors:

1. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter Series.
2. Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid's Tale Series.
3. Fredrik Backman, author of: A Man Called Ove.
4. James Patterson, author of the Alex Cross Series.
5. Agatha Christie, author of: And Then There Were None / Ten Little Indians.

Amanda Gorman: F.A.Q