What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan

Barton presents a timely, lyrical celebration of Congress- woman Barbara Jordan. As a child growing up in the Fifth Ward in Houston, she commanded attention through her powerful voice ("What's the next thing you do with a voice like that?"). Jordan's intellectual curiosity and desire to be civically engaged led her to become a lawyer, then a politician, "to make change from within." Holmes's dramatic compositions blend painterly forms with layered, cut-paper collage work, displaying brilliant jewel tones and eye-catching patterns. Lewis is pictured speaking on the Senate floor and, as a congresswoman, on television. Jordan's multiple sclerosis, Barton explains, eventually led her to step away from public life and into education, but her voice, Barton concludes, is honored "by making our own voices heard." Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-6--In a timely yet subtle call-to-action, Barton exemplifies the importance and power of using one's innate gifts and interests to affect positive change. Throughout this supremely accessible picture book biography, readers are asked to consider: "What do you do with a voice like that?" A voice that causes "folks to sit right up, stand up straight, and take notice." Well, if you're Barbara Jordan, you put it to good use. And if you're Barton and Holmes, you create an extraordinary book to ensure that her voice is not forgotten. Everything succeeds in this collaborative effort to accurately reflect the power of Jordan's voice and the impact she made on those she worked with and for, from the oversize trim to the large, succinct text punctuated with complimentary colors, to the hefty paper weight and extended length. Without compromising coherence, Barton keeps the narrative closely aligned with his theme and provides a detailed time line at the end for those who desire more information about Jordan's personal and professional life. Holmes's mixed media collage illustrations will make readers sit up and take notice, too. With her signature use of bold colors and rich textures, Holmes brings Jordan and her remarkable story to life through portrait-style images that reflect the significance of her leadership and honor the integrity that characterizes her legacy. VERDICT An essential purchase for nonfiction collections.--Lynn Van Auken, Oak Bluffs School, MA

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Barton presents a timely, lyrical celebration of Congress- woman Barbara Jordan. As a child growing up in the Fifth Ward in Houston, she commanded attention through her powerful voice ("What's the next thing you do with a voice like that?"). Jordan's intellectual curiosity and desire to be civically engaged led her to become a lawyer, then a politician, "to make change from within." Holmes's dramatic compositions blend painterly forms with layered, cut-paper collage work, displaying brilliant jewel tones and eye-catching patterns. Lewis is pictured speaking on the Senate floor and, as a congresswoman, on television. Jordan's multiple sclerosis, Barton explains, eventually led her to step away from public life and into education, but her voice, Barton concludes, is honored "by making our own voices heard."—Publishers Weekly "September 10, 2018 "