Amanda Gorman, the renowned poet who captivated the world during President Joe Biden’s inauguration with her powerful poem The Hill We Climb, is back with a new offering — but this time, it’s for younger readers.
Her new children’s book, Girls on the Rise, is a vibrant tribute to the strength, unity, and achievements of women throughout history, as well as a call to action for the next generation of young girls.
In an interview with CBS Mornings Gorman shared the inspiration behind the book and why it holds a deeply personal meaning for her.
Inspiration Rooted in Advocacy
Gorman revealed that the idea for Girls on the Rise came to her after watching Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2018.
“I wrote a poem that night because I knew that feeling of being a woman in a room screaming to be believed,” Gorman explained. “Several years later, I decided that might be a message that young girls would need to read, and so that became Girls on the Rise.”
The book talks about strength, allyship, and the power of community, ideas Gorman believes are critical for young girls to understand as they navigate the world.
A Tribute to the Women Who Shaped Her
When asked about the source of her own strength as a child, Gorman credited the women in her life.
“I was raised by an independent Black mother who modeled that for me, along with my teachers and community members,” she shared. “It wasn’t something that was innate; it was something that was taught and spoken to me.”
A Visual and Poetic Masterpiece
The book features stunning illustrations by Loveis Wise, whose vibrant artwork brings Gorman’s words to life. Gorman described the visuals as a key element of the book’s message, complementing its empowering narrative.
During the interview, Gorman read an excerpt from Girls on the Rise, offering a glimpse into its inspiring content:
“Who are we?
We are girls on the rise today.”
A Rallying Cry for the Future
Through Girls on the Rise, Gorman hopes to inspire young readers to embrace their strength and understand the importance of unity and resilience.
“The strength that you can find in allyship, in companionship, in community will make that strength endurable, sustainable, and meaningful at once,” she explained.
