Paperback. Language: English Publisher: Pearson Today Maya Angelou is one of the world's most respected writers and poets In the 1930s and 1940s she was a poor Black girl growing up in the segregated American South She suffered prejudice and cruelty from people she trusted.. as well as at the hands of an unjust society. Above all. Maya learned about the power of love and hope. This is Maya's true story.