PPBF: Shirley Chisholm is a Verb!

Author: Veronica Chambers
Illustrator: Rachelle Baker
Publisher: Dial , 2020
Age: 5-8
Themes: US Congress, African-American women, legislators
Opening: (see opening pages below).

Summary: (from my library catalog) A picture book biography celebrating the life and contributions of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, who sought the Democratic nomination to be the president of the United States.

I like this book because: I admire the way the author was able to combine a straightforward biography with such a strong layer focused on language and education, which ties back to who this courageous woman really was, and leaves the reader so inspired at the same time. I understand that a spread was included to show that others were standing on her shoulders in their efforts to get elected, but in my personal opinion I don’t believe some of those represented on the pages come remotely close in integrity and purpose, so I would rather have seen other voices more in line with Chisholm’s path. I certainly know kids feel inspired to learn more about her work after reading the book!

Resources/activities: explore the Kids in the House website HERE; more about Shirley Chisholm HERE; 10 ways kids too young to vote can get involved in elections HERE

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog  HERE.