Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Speak Up, Speak Out! The Extraordinary Life of "Fighting Shirley Chisholm"


 Speak Up, Speak Out! The Extraordinary Life of "Fighting Shirley Chisholm" 

by Tonya Bolden
Published Jan. 4, 2022
National Geographic for Kids
Hardcover
144 pages
Narrative Nonfiction
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
From award-winning author Tonya Bolden comes a biography of the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Black woman to run for president with a major political party: Shirley Chisholm.
Before there was Barack Obama, before there was Kamala Harris, there was Fighting Shirley Chisholm. A daughter of Barbadian immigrants, Chisholm developed her political chops in Brooklyn in the 1950s and went on to become the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. This “pepper pot,” as she was known, was not afraid to speak up for what she thought was right. While fighting for a better life for her constituents in New York’s 12th Congressional District, Chisholm routinely fought against sexism and racism in her own life and defied the norms of the time. As the first Black woman in the House and the first Black woman to seek the presidential nomination from a major political party, Shirley Chisholm laid the groundwork for those who would come after her.
Extensively researched and reviewed by experts, this inspiring biography traces Chisholm’s journey from her childhood in a small flat in Brooklyn where she read books with her sisters to Brooklyn College where she got her first taste of politics. Readers will cheer Chisholm on to victory from the campaign trail to the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol, where she fought for fair wages, equal rights, and an end to the Vietnam War. And while the presidential campaign trail in 1972 did not end in victory, Shirley Chisholm shows us how you can change a country when you speak up and speak out.

My Thoughts
This book chronicles Shirley Chisholm's life from childhood to her death in 2005. It is a fascinating and important story of this iconic woman. Bolden's exceptional research combined with the narrative style makes you feel like you are beside her every step of the way. 

This book would appeal most to students in middle school and up. It does not provide support from photographs or text features. While this does not impact the information presented, I do wish there were a few photos sprinkled in. 

Shirley Chisholm was a prolific and powerful speaker. Reading this book, as often happens with good nonfiction, made me want to learn more. Below is a recording of her 1972 speech announcing her campaign to run and the first black woman for president of the United States. 

Saturday, February 5, 2022

I am Golden by Eva Chen


I am Golden
by Eva Chen
Illustrated by Sophie Diao
Published Feb. 1, 2022
Feiwel Friends
Picture Book
40 Pages 
Review copy provided by publisher

Goodreads Summary
What do you see when you look in the mirror, Mei? Do you see beauty?
We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile. We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.

This joyful and lyrical picture book from New York Times-bestselling author Eva Chen is a moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Asian American children.


My Thoughts
This book will hit readers right in the feelings. Based on the author's true experiences, it presents the prejudice and mistreatment that many Asian-American immigrants face in a way that will make sense to younger readers. I have been able to share this beautiful book with children in grades 3-6 and have seen its power first hand. Teachers have been able to use the text as a catalyst for rich, important discussions. 
Not only does I Am Golden portray examples of racism, but it is absolutely beautifully written with rich vocabulary and lyrical prose.  Sophie Diao's gorgeous illustrations beg to be closely explored and will draw young readers further into the story. 
Image from Macmillan.com  https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250842053/iamgolden 


The back matter is not to be missed, including a powerful author note describing the author's real experiences. 
I AM Golden has a place in all school and classroom libraries, but i feel that the sweet spot is grades 3+.  


Check out the author sharing the book on Good Morning America