Not Done Yet: Shirley Chisholm's Fight for Change

"A woman in the White House? Shirley!

The life of teacher, activist, and congressperson Shirley Chisholm is examined in this poetic biography that packs an exciting and educational punch. Endpages include select quotations, like 'Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth, ' and images of quippy campaign buttons ('Ms. Chis. for Pres.'). As the book opens, readers meet baby Shirley and learn about her early life in Brooklyn before she and her sisters were sent to live with their grandmother in Barbados. Returning to New York at the age of 9, Shirley set out to become a teacher, but her desire for everyone to be treated equally led her to the world of politics. Advancing from an assemblyperson in New York to Congress wasn't easy, but Shirley persisted, eventually running for president in the 1970s. The tone of the book is inspiring, but Brown doesn't shy away from the mistreatment Chisholm encountered: 'When Representative Chisholm / walked the hallowed halls of Congress, / the thing she felt most / was unwelcome. / No one would sit with her at lunch. / Her colleagues made nasty remarks. / One man even spat when she entered the room. / All to scare her / and keep her in her place.' Crews' vividly textured illustrations positively sing, enhancing the text and making for a perfect introduction for young readers everywhere. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

As powerful as the woman it profiles."--starred, Kirkus Reviews

-- "Journal" (9/15/2022 12:00:00 AM)

Brown follows her course from teacher to a hardworking political leader invested in helping marginalized groups be heard, a calling that would take Chisholm to the New York State Assembly, the U.S. Congress, and the 1972 presidential race. With each new achievement, a refrain of 'but she wasn't done yet' echoes through the text, underscoring this remarkable woman's drive. 

Fryer Brown and Crews spotlight trailblazer Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) in a picture book biography that identifies the first Black Congresswoman as the political forbear of Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and other contemporary leaders. Introducing the self-proclaimed "unbought and unbossed" Chisholm, anticipatory text states, "Before she was born, Shirley would kick so hard, her mother knew she was aching to come out and fight." A childhood partially spent in Barbados informed her of "the unfair way certain people were treated in America.... She wanted to do something about it." The refrain "She wasn't done yet" carries Chisholm forward from a role at a Brooklyn political club to the New York State Assembly to Congress, where as "a righteous rebel who earned respect... Shirley championed bold ideas," continuing with a serious run for president in 1972. Brown's narrative free verse and Crews's heavily patterned digital vector art contemporize Chisholm's "Let us move beyond hate" message as just as relevant today. Creators' notes and a timeline conclude. Ages 5-10. (Nov.)

Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 1-4--This picture book biography chronicles pioneer and activist Shirley Chisholm's journey from teacher to congresswoman through verse and striking photo collage illustrations. Chisholm spent her childhood in Barbados and then Brooklyn, NY. From an early age, she possessed a fighting spirit and a laser-focus on fairness and equality. She hated the prejudice she observed and encountered based on skin color, gender, and income level. Having witnessed the power of education in her own life, Chisholm decided to become an educator. Her advocacy work for healthcare, children, and the environment led her to help with political campaigns, and that was when she began to see her own potential, and ran for a place in the New York State Assembly representing Brooklyn. Chisholm eventually became the first Black woman elected to Congress. She felt unwelcome there but persevered, hiring an all-female staff. She also ran for the U.S. presidency, though unsuccessfully. Free-verse style is unified by the refrain "But she wasn't done yet," and peppered with paraphrased quotes from Chisholm. The layered, collage-style digital illustrations are show-stoppers, especially the bold patterns that make the clothing look textured and evoke the many decades of style she lived and worked through. Back matter includes author and illustrator notes and a helpful time line of Chisholm's life. VERDICT Many speak her name but few younger readers know her work; this is recommended for early nonfiction collections.--Lauren Younger

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.