"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is an autobiographical novel by the legendary American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. The book tells the story of Angelou's childhood and teenage years growing up in the segregated South, and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a society that was deeply divided by race. Through her powerful and poetic prose, Angelou reflects on the themes of identity, trauma, family, and the power of literature and storytelling to heal and transform. The book is a deeply personal and moving exploration of one woman's journey to find her voice and claim her place in the world, and has become a classic of American literature, inspiring readers of all backgrounds and generations with its message of hope and resilience.