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Poet Amanda Gorman is the name on everyone's lips today. And so it should be.
Did you experience those words she delivered at the Inauguration of U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris?
"The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light.
If only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it."
Her poem is called The Hill We Climb and whew...was it powerful. And moving. And hopeful. (You can watch it in full here.)
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Yes, her poetry was directed at the people of America, but Amanda's words are a profound lesson for the world, to reflect on our lives, take action and be better.
What. A. Vibe. And she's only 22, the youngest ever poet to perform at a presidential inauguration. (Other poets who've taken part include the Maya Angelou and Robert Frost!)
Within hours of her reading, two of Amanda's books soared to the top of Amazon's best-seller list - and they haven't even been released yet! One of those is her upcoming children's book, Change Sings: A Children's Anthem.
Yes, a children's book! So we can share her empowering, change-makin' vibes with our own kids.
Due out in September 2021, Change Sings is described as a "lyrical picture book" by publishers Penguin Young Readers Group about a young girl who "leads a cast of characters on a musical journey" with "the power to make changes - big or small - in the world, in their communities and most importantly, in themselves."
The book, aimed at 4 to 8 year olds, is illustrated by Loren Long who did the drawing for former U.S. President Barack Obama's Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters.
In a post on Insta, Amanda explains why she really wanted to release the book this year:
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"I felt strongly that the book should come out in 2021, when children would be facing the results of the 2020 election and whatever those would be, I wanted them to know they were the leaders of the future."
She's already got a slew of celebrity fans supporting her work including new mum Gigi Hadid who commented "pre-ordered! BIG LOVE."
But it was Oprah Winfrey's tweet after Amanda's reading that had us bursting with joy:
I have never been prouder to see another young woman rise! Brava Brava, @TheAmandaGorman! Maya Angelou is cheering—and so am I. pic.twitter.com/I5HLE0qbPs
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) January 20, 2021
"I have never been prouder to see another young woman rise!" the media queen wrote.
"Brava Brava Amanda Gorman! Maya Angelou is cheering - and so am I."
To pre-order Change Sings, or to check out Amanda's other books, head to theamandagorman.com
(Feature Image Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com; Penguin Young Readers Group)
