(2) K-3 Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita. Born in 1924 Brooklyn to immigrant parents (from Guyana and Barbados) who worked in low-wage jobs, Chisholm was attuned from a young age to the social and economic inequities around her. After a discussion of Chisholm's early years (she excelled academically), Cline-Ransome focuses her picture-book biography on Chisholm's illustrious and groundbreaking career, which included winning a seat in the New York State Assembly and election to Congress, where she served seven terms. Following her historic though unsuccessful presidential bid, she continued to pursue her fight for affordable childcare, access to education, and a living wage. Describing Chisholm as "small, but she talked big, walked tall, and told just about everybody what to do," Cline-Ransome highlights her subject's "loud and proud" and determined personality, often incorporating Chisholm's own words into the narrative. Juanita's digitally rendered illustrations are energetic and strikingly portray person and purpose, especially in the wordless double-page spread of Chisholm standing poised to begin her first term in Congress against a vivid backdrop of fireworks and the U.S. Capitol building. Pair with Bolden's Speak Up, Speak Out! (rev. 3/22), Williams's Shirley Chisholm Dared (rev. 9/21), and Russell-Brown's She Was the First (rev. 11/20).

Reviewer: Pauletta Brown Bracy | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2023

(2) 4-6 The list of New York Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's accomplishments during a time when race and gender were overt factors in exclusion from politics makes her an iconic figure in American history. Chisholm's political rise was groundbreaking on the local, state, and national stages. After this extensively researched biography opens with a map of Brooklyn and a foreword by Stacey Abrams, Bolden traces the arc of Chisholm's life and the many challenges she faced on her way to becoming the first Black woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, helping found the Congressional Black Caucus, and in 1972 becoming the first Black person to run for a major party's presidential nomination. The daughter of immigrant parents, Chisholm spent her early years living in Barbados with her grandmother, eventually returning to the U.S. to continue her education. Her journey into history was not without twists, turns, and disappointments, and Bolden's plainspoken narrative paints a picture of a woman who was as hardworking as she was determined. Short, accessible chapters give readers a sense of the times as well as the woman. A photo insert appears partway through; back matter includes an author's note, sources, and an index. See also recent picture books She Was the First! (rev. 11/20) by Russell-Brown, Shirley Chisholm Dared (rev. 3/21) by Williams, and Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb! by Chambers.

Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura. In this accessible and engaging picture-book biography, Bryant (Feed Your Mind, rev. 1/20; Above the Rim, rev. 11/20) focuses on the ways groundbreaking Japanese American legislator from Hawaii Patsy Takemoto Mink (1927–2002) overcame setbacks in her life and career. Early on, Bryant invokes the Japanese saying "Fall down seven times, stand up eight," explaining that it means "never give up!" She repeats this refrain throughout the book, applying it to the many hurdles Mink faced--as a college student fighting segregation, an aspiring doctor denied entrance to medical schools, the only woman in her law school class, and the first woman of color in the U.S. Congress. The climax of the narrative comes as Mink fights to ensure that her signature legislation, Title IX, will protect the rights of female athletes. Bryant's clear prose draws a distinct line from Mink's childhood precociousness and fortitude to her adult accomplishments. In doing so, she renders a somewhat abstruse concept (education legislation) engaging to her target audience. Nakamura's digital illustrations complement the text, with finely drawn facial expressions underlining the emotional impact of the historical events. The art also expands on the text; one illustration contrasts a boys' well-funded basketball team with a girls' team playing in a makeshift space. Back matter includes a timeline of Mink's life, a selected biography, and sources for direct quotes.

Reviewer: K Rachael Stein | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2022

(3) K-3 National Geographic Readers series. This book introduces newly independent readers to Abrams and her many accomplishments, with attention to the many "firsts" she's achieved as a Black woman. Mwai uses short, direct sentences to give a cursory overview of complicated topics, including civil rights and election fairness, with both personal and historical perspectives to add context. Vocabulary words are defined in text boxes and again at book's end. Fact lists, a timeline, and a quiz are included. Each page features captioned photographs that support and help break up the text.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Laura Freeman. This picture-book biography follows current House Speaker Pelosi's life and career, from her childhood in Baltimore through her rise to become one of the highest-ranking women in American politics. As daughter of Baltimore's first Italian American mayor, Pelosi was inspired by her parents' vision to lift up people in need. As a United States Congresswoman, her message to Americans, particularly to girls, is to be yourself and serve the greater good. The text's overall tone is both serious and inspiring, and the vivid, earnest illustrations capture that mood. A historical note, a brief interview with Pelosi, and a selected bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(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

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Hsu. This picture-book retrospective of current House Speaker Pelosi's life depicts her as a strong, independent girl, raised to champion those in need, who became a strong, independent American leader. Each page or spread features plot elements as well as direct quotes (on most of them) to support the narrative. Friendly, inviting illustrations show Pelosi at different stages of her life, in both personal and public scenes. Biographical, historical, and inspirational, this book does an effective job of personalizing a major historical figure and explaining why her contributions, including the 2010 Affordable Care Act, are so significant. A timeline and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(1) K-3 Illustrated by April Harrison. Williams (Genesis Begins Again, rev. 1/19; Jump at the Sun, rev. 3/21) and Harrison (What Is Given from the Heart, rev. 1/19; Nana Akua Goes to School, rev. 5/20) present a lively and appealing picture-book biography of our first Black Congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005). The story focuses on her childhood propensity to ask questions, which evolved into a successful political career anchored by advocacy for the rights of poor and underrepresented people. The daughter of West Indian immigrant parents, Chisholm spent her youth in Brooklyn with her parents and in Barbados with her grandmother and cousins. Her schooling was important to her father, who inquired daily about what she had learned and told her to "study and make something of yourself." After college, where she joined a political science society, she worked in early childhood education. In her community, she attended meetings and asked questions related to the welfare of citizens, pushing for money for better schools, regular sanitation service, and better police protection. Dissatisfied with politicians' unkept promises, she formed a Democratic women's club that worked to address community issues and organize voter registration drives. After winning a seat in the New York Assembly, she introduced bills to help college students and domestic workers and to fund daycare centers. Three years later, Chisholm was elected to Congress, where she served for fifteen years. Harrison's expressive and engaging folk art–style illustrations, rendered in acrylic and mixed-media collage, are a worthy complement to Williams's admiring tone and spirited narrative, which makes the subject both relatable and inspiring for readers. An author's note offers additional information about Chisholm's life, including her 1972 presidential run. Pair with Chambers's Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb! and Russell-Brown and Velasquez's She Was the First! (rev. 11/20).

Reviewer: Pauletta Brown Bracy | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2021

(3) YA Illustrated by Briana Arrington. Content warning: Donohue's introduction states that "not all the women in this book are what I would consider heroes." Instead of showcasing fan favorites, the book offers the range of experiences and influence women have had in (mainly American) politics. Leaders include US senator Elizabeth Warren, current US secretary of education Betsy DeVos, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Each four-page profile follows the same format: "Life Story" and "What's on Her Agenda," followed by lists of "Awesome Achievements" and "Quotables." Portraits of nineteen of the profiled women are included.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Ekua Holmes. This large book, with its lush, vivid mixed-media illustrations, makes an artistic statement as bold as groundbreaking African American congresswoman Jordan's own giant voice. Smart page-turns--often prompted by repeating the titular question--lead readers to think about, rather than simply learn about, Jordan's life. Barton’s overriding theme is that her big ideas--of justice, equality, and freedom--inspire others and will resonate for years to come. Reading list, timeline.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2018

(3) K-3 Pebble Plus: Great Asian Americans series. Using short, simple sentences and engaging photos, this early-reader biography series introduces famous Asian Americans, filling a gap in children's biographies. Key moments in each subject's professional life are covered chronologically and accompanied by a cumulative timeline. Ample white space around the texts and large pictures make for attractive and supportive layouts for new readers. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Pebble Plus: Great Asian Americans titles: Tammy Duckworth and Yo-Yo Ma.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(2) YA In this frank yet positive account of Clinton's life through the 2015 announcement of her presidential candidacy, Blumenthal chronicles Clinton's youth, marriage, and career (including various scandals). Acknowledging that Clinton's public story has been "carefully controlled and crafted," Blumenthal allows Clinton's accomplishments (and sometimes her foibles) to take center stage and suggest the woman behind the pantsuit. Timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Amy Pattee | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2016

(3) 4-6 Real-Life Story series. Clinton's many accomplishments and challenges are documented in a clear, engaging style in this narrative biography. From her childhood through her win in the Democratic Primary and 2016 presidential run, Harness explores Hillary's political partnership with Bill Clinton and her struggle to fit into the mold of political wife as well as her individual political and personal endeavors. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Amy June Bates. This "updated for 2016" picture-book biography shows Clinton repeatedly surmounting obstacles to reach her goals. Each spread includes straightforward text alongside trite inspirational messages ("Take the lead role in your own life"). Browns and reds dominate the loose-outlined watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations; a few show Clinton looking spacy when she's meant to appear deep in thought. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. This is a thorough, engaging, and well-designed account of women in American politics. Each chapter covers about a decade of U.S. history, giving a snapshot of the status of women during each era. Enhanced with photos and cartoon illustrations, the lively narrative begins with a profile of Jeannette Rankin, the first congresswoman in 1917, and continues through the 2013 delegation. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler. This biography of Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan scientist and environmentalist and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, is informative but overwritten: "Like a sturdy tree against a mighty wind, her faith kept her strong." The oil and scratchboard illustrations call to mind stained glass, with panes of color separated by white lines. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Kadir Nelson. This picture book celebrates Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize–winner Wangari Maathai who, by encouraging women to plant trees, also gave them a way to improve their lives. Napoli's text is spare but powerful (e.g., "Kenya was strong once more, strong and peaceful"), and Nelson's collage illustrations have the pleasing beauty of a well-made quilt. Back matter supplies information about Maathai's Green Belt Movement. Websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(4) 4-6 Women of Achievement series. This series contextualizes its subjects' lives and accomplishments in politics, culture, and/or history. The books, though dense and lengthy, are well written; sidebars supplement the narratives with interesting facts (e.g., women in the 1920s used radium to curl their hair; both Hillary and Bill Clinton have won Grammy awards). Photographs and reproductions illustrate the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Women of Achievement titles: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rachael Ray, Marie Curie, Nancy Pelosi, Ellen DeGeneres, Martha Stewart, and Susan B. Anthony.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) YA Essential Lives series. This series offers serviceable if bland biographies of people famous in a variety of arenas. Bono focuses on the history of U2 and the lead singer's later humanitarian work. Clinton describes her roles both as First Lady and presidential candidate. The writing is straightforward, and frequent sidebars help with historical context. Some photographs and archival materials also break up the pages. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Essential Lives titles: Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bono.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Women of Achievement series. This series contextualizes its subjects' lives and accomplishments in politics, culture, and/or history. The books, though dense and lengthy, are well written; sidebars supplement the narratives with interesting facts (e.g., women in the 1920s used radium to curl their hair; both Hillary and Bill Clinton have won Grammy awards). Photographs and reproductions illustrate the texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Women of Achievement titles: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Rachael Ray, Marie Curie, Nancy Pelosi, Ellen DeGeneres, Martha Stewart, and Susan B. Anthony.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby