Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman

by Sharice Davids (Author) Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Illustrator)

Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

On Here Wee Read's 2021 Ultimate List of Diverse Children's Books!

"Rich, vivid illustrations by Ojibwe Woodland artist Pawis-Steckley are delivered in a graphic style that honors Indigenous people. The bold artwork adds impact to the compelling text." (Kirkus starred review)

"The prose is reminiscent of an inspirational speech ("Everyone's path looks different"), with a message of service that includes fun biographical facts, such as her love of Bruce Lee. Pawis-Steckley (who is Ojibwe Woodland) contributes boldly lined and colored digital illustrations, inflected with Native symbols and bold colors. A hopeful and accessible picture book profile." (Publishers Weekly)

This picture book autobiography tells the triumphant story of Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas.

When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she'd be in Congress. And she never thought she'd be one of the first Native American women in Congress. During her campaign, she heard from a lot of doubters. They said she couldn't win because of how she looked, who she loved, and where she came from. But here's the thing: Everyone's path looks different and everyone's path has obstacles. And this is the remarkable story of Sharice Davids' path to Congress.Beautifully illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland artist, this powerful autobiographical picture book teaches readers to use their big voice and that everyone deserves to be seen--and heard!

The back matter includes information about the Ho-Chunk written by former Ho-Chunk President Jon Greendeer, an artist note, and an inspiring letter to children from Sharice Davids.

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.99

Publishers Weekly

In this autobiographical picture book, Davids (who is Ho-Chunk), "one of the first Native women in U.S. Congress," outlines her history-making path, beginning with her love of speaking. With Mays, she continues conversationally, relaying how frequent moves taught her that talking breaks down barriers and listening taught her to help others, and how a post-law school job advocating for Native American tribes led her to launch a run for Congress. The prose is reminiscent of an inspirational speech ("Everyone's path looks different"), with a message of service that includes fun biographical facts, such as her love of Bruce Lee. Pawis-Steckley (who is Ojibwe Woodland) contributes boldly lined and colored digital illustrations, inflected with Native symbols and bold colors. A hopeful and accessible picture book profile. Back matter includes author's and artist's notes. Ages 4-8. (June)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Demonstrates that everyone's voice matters and needs to be heard. Powerful stuff!Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780062979667
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
June 20, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007110 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Social Activists
JNF018040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | People & Places | United States - Native American
JNF007070 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Political
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
United States
Women
Autobiographies
Indians
Women legislators
Sexual minorities
Indian legislators
Indian sexual minorities
Davids, Sharice
ALSC Notable Children's Book
Selection 2022

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