Synopses & Reviews
Discover the incredible story of a young daughter of immigrants who would grow up to defend the rights of people everywhere and be named the Democratic vice presidential candidate by Joe Biden in this moving picture book biography of Senator Kamala Harris.
When Kamala Harris was young, she often accompanied her parents to civil rights marches — so many, in fact, that when her mother asked a frustrated Kamala what she wanted, the young girl responded with: "Freedom "
As Kamala grew from a small girl in Oakland to a senator running for president, it was this long-fostered belief in freedom and justice for all people that shaped her into the inspiring figure she is today. From fighting for the use of a soccer field in middle school to fighting for the people of her home state in Congress, Senator Harris used her voice to speak up for what she believed in and for those who were otherwise unheard. Her dedication led to her being selected as the Democratic vice presidential nominee in the 2020 election.
Told in Nikki Grimes's stunning verse and featuring gorgeous illustrations by Laura Freeman, this picture book biography brings to life a story that shows all young people that the American dream can belong to all of us if we fight for one another.
Review
"Using poetic language and striking imagery, Grimes details the future senator's life, from her beginnings to her presidential run in 2020. Freeman's artwork adds rich details and illuminates Grimes's prose. The bright colors and background scenes pop on the pages and reflect Harris's journey.....Penned by wordsmith Grimes and vividly illustrated by Freeman, this is an age-appropriate depiction of a notable figure in American politics. A worthy addition to children's biography collections."School Library Journal
Review
"This thorough portrait of the background and hard work that brought this biracial, black woman to her campaign for the presidency is worth sharing with children." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Lyrical prose makes the text effortlessly readable... In multitextured digital art, Freeman succeeds in creatively capturing a range of Harris's expressions and experiences, exemplified by a layered portrait of her life and legacy. Notably, Grimes covers Harris's presidential run and withdrawal, leaving young readers with an uplifting message of perseverance and agency." Publisher's Weekly
About the Author
Nikki Grimes is the recipient of the 2006 NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Her distinguished works include the ALA Notable book What Is Goodbye?, as well as the novels Jazmin's Notebook, Dark Sons, and The Road to Paris, all of them Coretta Scott King Author Honor Books. She won the Coretta Scott King Author Award for Bronx Masquerade. Ms. Grimes lives in Corona, California. Visit Nikki at NikkiGrimes.com.
Laura Freeman has illustrated many fine children's books over the years, including Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe, written by Deborah Blumenthal, and the Coretta Scott King Honor book Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, by Margot Lee Shetterly and Winifred Conkling. Laura now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband and their two children. Find out more about Laura at LFreemanArt.com.