  | She was the first! : the trailblazing life of Shirley Chisholm Author: Russell-Brown, Katheryn | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
A picture biography of educator and politician Shirley Chisholm, who in 1968 was the first Black woman elected to Congress and in 1972 was the first Black candidate from a major political party (the Democratic Party) to run for the United States presidency.
| Illustrator: | Velasquez, Eric |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 4.20 Points: .5 Quiz: 516608 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (06/01/20)
School Library Journal (06/01/20)
Booklist (06/01/20)
The Hornbook (00/11/20)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 06/01/2020 Gr 2–5—This warm, inspiring picture book biography spotlights the fascinating life and achievements of politician and educator Shirley Chisholm. Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1924, Chisholm made her vibrant personality known from the start, leading groups of older kids around the neighborhood. Her parents were hard workers who had trouble feeding their family and making ends meet. They made the tough decision to send their daughter and her siblings to Barbados to live on her grandmother's farm. Despite the jarring change of lifestyle, Chisholm's experience in Barbados made a lasting impact. Seeing people who looked like her and worked in a variety of jobs was inspiring. It taught the future politician that she could grow up to hold a powerful position. In 1934, Chisholm moved back to Brooklyn, where she excelled in school and college and went on to become a teacher. At night, she worked closely with community groups and became a prominent voice for frequently overlooked populations: women, people of color, the poor, and children. She later won a spot in the New York State Assembly. In 1968, she became the first Black woman elected to Congress. She even ran for president in 1972. While she didn't win, she paved the way for future Black and female presidents. An extensive afterword is appended. VERDICT Russell-Brown, with the help of Velasquez's expressive watercolor art, vividly brings Chisholm's experiences to life with storytelling that will appeal to a wide variety of ages—those both aware and unaware of her legacy. Recommended for elementary and public library collections.—Kristy Pasquariello, Westwood P.L., MA - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 06/01/2020 Russell-Brown chronicles the life of this American congresswoman who, in 1972, became the first woman of color to run for president. Born to immigrant parents in Brooklyn, Shirley Chisholm spent time living with her maternal grandmother on Barbados before returning to New York, where she excelled in school as a debater. Although encouraged by a professor to enter politics, she first became a teacher, spending her evenings working as a community advocate. Eventually she did enter politics, first in the New York State Assembly and later in the U.S. Congress, devoting much of her efforts to the needs of the disadvantaged. This succinct biography emphasizes Chisholm's leadership qualities and her slogan and attitude (Unbought and Unbossed), which enabled her to break through racial and gender barriers despite discouragement from others. Velasquez's watercolor illustrations give a good sense of Depression-era Brooklyn and Barbados as well as emphasizing Chisholm's closeness to her family. Earth tones predominate, highlighted with splashes of turquoise, rose, and gold. An extensive afterword offers additional information about this remarkable politician, educator, and author.Women in Focus: The 19th in 2020 - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
