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Book Bundles: Big Names in Politics
The Venn diagram for the four subjects of three new picture-book biographies would intersect in multiple ways: all four are Democrats, two are strong women, three were raised by single mothers, three hail from Texas, and three are groundbreaking POC politicians. For more related books, click any of the subject tags below. Book Bundles are short weekly lists of recommended new books for a variety of age levels. Browse more Book Bundles in our Booklists Archive.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Mirelle Ortega.
Brown begins this biography of the Mexican American twins--one a member of President Obama's cabinet and presidential candidate, the other a U.S. congressman--with their grandmother's emigration from Mexico to Texas as an orphan in 1922. The twins were raised by their grandmother, who had only a third-grade education, and their single mother, "the first Chicana to run for San Antonio City Council, in 1971." The women's positive influence is clear as the well-shaped narrative emphasizes the brothers' commitment to education, hard work, and community betterment. The welcoming digital illustrations reflect the laudatory text's enthusiasm. An author's note, brief glossary of Spanish words and terms, and bibliography are appended. Concurrently published in Spanish as Pequeña habitación, grandes sueños: El viaje de Julián y Joaquín Castro.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Carlynn Whitt.
This picture book biography follows the Democratic Party icon from her Texas childhood (and a stint in San Diego during WWII), to marriage and motherhood, to her entrance on the national stage. Ultimately elected to Texas's highest state office, Richards stayed true to her commitment to civil rights and progressive values. With a folksy, conversational tone, Browne's informative text acknowledges challenges but mostly focuses on successes. Whitt's painterly illustrations emphasize Richards's open and inclusive nature. A two-page author's note includes four black-and-white photos, discusses Richards's alcoholism and divorce, adds context for her accomplishments, and clarifies her legacy. Selected sources are included.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley.
With Nancy K. Mays. One of the first Native women elected to Congress ("and the first lesbian representative from Kansas"), Davids tells her story in this affecting picture-book autobiography, which touches on generational trauma caused by the US government. Talking and listening (and a love for Bruce Lee and mixed martial arts!) help Davids in her quest to bring Native voices to Washington, DC. The stylized digital illustrations convey strength and pride in Davids's accomplishments and in Native identities. In addition to appended author and artist notes, a former president of the Ho-Chunk Nation writes powerfully about the Nation's perseverance and about its history from the 1800s to the present day.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
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