What is the introduction to I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings?

In the introduction, Maya shares a memory about a dress she had to have..... a beautiful dress that she envisioned would make her a completely different person. Maya gets the dress..... Momma spends hours making it for her. Unfortunately, Maya doesn't feel any different, and she isn't seen any differently by the children she so wants to fit in with. It is a difficult lesson that ends in shame and embarrassment, but it is also a lesson Maya will never forget.