Amanda Gorman is back with her latest book and she hopes to inspire the next generation. Titled Girls on the Rise, the picture book spotlights the diverse beauty of young girls.
During an interview with PEOPLE, the New York Times bestselling author shared her vision for the new book.
“I really wanted to focus on the idea of us being stronger when we stand in solidarity. That’s a message that I think is particularly relevant to young girls, but I think it also transcends them as well,” Gorman stated. “Hopefully, the young boys or non-binary children who read this book feel a sense of allyship across gendered lines.”
While catering to a younger audience, Gorman hopes the book will impact people of all ages.
“You’re writing, not just for the child, but the village that is raising the child,” Gorman explained. “And so you have to create a story that is complex and heartfelt enough, and it speaks to multiple generations and multiple backgrounds. But has the same place in that family’s heart.”
Gorman even shared advice to aspiring writers and creatives.
“Read as much as possible. Read what you don’t like, read what you do. Write as much as possible. Then try to find kinship and allyship where you can,” Gorman said.
“Writing can feel like such a solitary act that when you find friendship within it, it’s one of the most pivotal assets that you’ll have as a creator,” she adds.
Gorman came to national prominence as the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history at age 22. She performed “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021. She also co-chaired the Met Gala, been nominated for a Grammy Award, and established the “Writing Change” initiative to support grassroots organizations dedicated to advancing literacy as a pathway to social change
Gorman’s previous books include The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough, The Hill We Climb: Poems, The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country, Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem, Call Us What We Carry, and Something, Someday.
Girls on the Rise is currently available wherever books are sold.