Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman speaks at the inauguration of President Joe Biden at the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2021.

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8 Things to Know About Amanda Gorman

Meet America’s first Youth Poet Laureate.

This is an edited version of a Scholastic News Online article that ran on January 22, 2021.

Sthanlee B. Mirador/Sipa USA

On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sworn into office. At the inaugural ceremony, Amanda Gorman, then 22, recited a poem she had written. Soon, people all over the world were talking about her powerful performance and her message of unity, hope, and change.

Here are eight things to know about this inspiring young poet. 

1. Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in American history. 

Inviting a poet to perform at the inaugural ceremony is a tradition. It began with President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration in 1961. Since then, three other presidents have invited poets to read a poem at their inaugurations. Past inaugural poets include Robert Frost and Maya Angelou.

2. She has a speech impediment. 

That means it’s hard for Gorman to say certain letters of the alphabet. The letter r is especially hard for her. As a kid, Gorman began writing poetry to help her find her voice. Then in high school, she began reciting her poetry out loud. This helped her improve her speech. She says singing songs from one of her favorite musicals, Hamilton, also helped!

3. She did a lot of research before writing “The Hill We Climb.” 

Gorman studied speeches by past leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. In a radio interview, Gorman said these speeches helped her understand how words “can be used for good.”

Erin Schaff/The New York Times/Redux

Amanda Gorman reads her poem "The Hill We Climb" during the inauguration ceremony for Joe Biden.

4. In 2017, she was named the nation’s first ever National Youth Poet Laureate. 

A National Youth Poet Laureate is the winner of a national competition that recognizes young poets for their talent and the meaning of their work. As a poet laureate, Gorman has recited her poems at the Library of Congress and at special events. She has also appeared on television programs.

5. She has written two books.

One is a children’s book called Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem. The other is a book of her poetry called The Hill We Climb. Both were released in 2021.

6. She’s an activist. 

Many of Gorman’s poems talk about racism and other important issues. She believes that poetry can be a tool used for change. 

Alex J. Berliner/ABImages

Amanda Gorman speaks at Porter's Third Annual Incredible Women Gala on Tuesday, October 9, 2018. 

7. She has won several awards from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. 

These awards were founded in 1923. Their goal is to honor the talent and creativity of teens across the country. In 2015 and 2016, Gorman won several regional awards in the competition. In 2016, she won the national Silver Medal for Novel Writing.

8. She wants to be president one day.

In 2017, Gorman told The New York Times that she wants to run for president in 2036. The idea came from a conversation with a teacher. She included this goal in her inaugural poem. 

1. Why do you think poets are invited to speak at inaugural ceremonies?

2. Gorman began reciting her poetry out loud to improve her speech. What do you think that says about her character?

3. Gorman says she studied speeches of past leaders to learn how words “can be used for good.” What do you think she means by that?

4. Do you agree with Gorman that poetry can be a tool for change? Why or why not?

5. What else would you like to know about Gorman? Write down three questions you have for her, then see if you can find the answers online!

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