Picture Book Review: Phenomenal AOC

 

This picture book biography's tagline is: the roots and rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

My Thoughts: I really admire AOC, so I was super excited to have a picture book biography about her. I loved this book - from the brightly colored illustrations to sharing the idea that resources are not the same for everyone talking about how family comes first. The love how they explained grassroots and building up a support of everyday people and not big companies. I love how they shared that many people underestimated AOC her entire life, but that she works hard on proving them wrong.  I also love the lessons shared in the back of the book. This is one heck an inspiring read. 

Book Pairings (3): The White House

 

It's time for another book pairing! This week's focus is political books.

Joey: Dr. Jill Biden wrote about her husband's childhood and how it put him on the path to becoming President of the United States. While this is a picture book, it's a long picture book. So it's better suited for Elementary School readers. 

Joe Biden: This is a much longer biography with lots of details about Joe Biden's childhood, the  terrible accident that tore apart his family, meeting Jill, his first run for President, and his time as Vice President. The readers will learn more details about President Biden. Just shy of 250 pages, this read is for upper Elementary School readers. 

Why the Pairing: Both books will help the reader learn more about our 46th President of the United States - depending on your age level. These books will share more about the man behind the Presidency and how his life brought him here. 

Shaking Up the House: The time for the the Lopez family in the White House is coming to a close. One sister is sad; the other sister is happy. But neither of them expect to participate in a prank war with the incoming family's children.

Exploring the White House: Have you ever wondered about the White House building itself? Here's the perfect book complete with maps, photos, and fun facts. This book covers pets, ghosts, and so much more!

Why the Pairing: In Shaking Up the White House - the characters talk about secret tunnels and different rooms. It would be great to see a map of the White House and understand all the details about working or living in the mansion. 

 

Kamala and Maya's Big Idea: These cousins do not like the idea of not being able to play in the courtyard of the apartment complex. They feel they could turn it into a playground but the owner of the building doesn't agree. That doesn't stop them. 

Who is Kamala Harris?: This book is shorter than the rest of the series (because Kamala Harris is still alive). But it's full of information about her life before she became Vice President. 

Why the Pairing: It's fun to read a story about Kamala Harris when she's younger and compare that to her political life. 

 

Michelle Obama: This is an introduction to Michelle Obama. It's short and sweet, but it highlights the important information.

Reach Higher: This is a photo book of Michelle Obama and her time in the White House. It's fun to see so many different part of her life as First Lady and all the people she touched during those eight years. The pictures make this a perfect book to share. 

Why the Pairing: These two books highlight a very important life. It's nice for a little background information before viewing all the pictures. 

Vote

Voting is so important.

There are a lot of great books - both kids and teens being published about voting and politics.

This is not an extensive list, but just a few of my favorites from this year's reading...

A great concept book (alphabet) about voting and equality. Great Rhymes. Diverse. Inspiring.

This book also includes a timeline.

Voting Rights in America. And how we still have a ways to go...

Lillian finally wins the right to vote in 1965 at the age of 101! Impressive. 

Kids helping to spread the word about voting and that every vote counts. Inclusive. Diverse.  And great illustrations.

While two opponents are battling each other, someone else sweeps in for the victory.

An interesting look at politics and the meanness that takes place.

Kamala Harris is still writing her American story (I loved that line - it gave me goosebumps.). A great story about fairness and justice against the backdrop of Kamala Harris's life and her achievements. I enjoyed reading more about Kamala Harris's life because I really like her. And I hope she's in the White House in the next few months.

* This book was sent for review 

Elizabeth Warren didn't seek political life - it came to her. I enjoyed reading more about her life. I really like her. I hope to see her much more in politics. A great picture book biography with bold and colorful illustrations. 

* This book was sent for review.

200 years of fighting to vote. This is a really good nonfiction book about voting that includes women, women of color, and people of color. 

This book didn't pull any punches - as the history of women voting - it talked about suffrage, racism, and more. A great nonfiction book for kids. 

I love this YA book about knocking on doors and engaging in talks about politics. I would never be brave enough to do this, but I admired Jamie and Maya. I also loved reading more about their friendship.

On My list to still read:

Graphic Novel Review: ACT

Sixth grade means things will be different. Olive's excited about the class field trip, but afterwards she learns that not everyone can afford the field trips. Those students have to stay behind. Olive doesn't believe that's right. 

When she hears about the election for student council, she realizes that she has a chance to make a difference. But that's not the only injustice that she hears. Soon Olive has a list of ideas to make the school better.

To bad her opponents only want better snacks. They don't care about the school. As the election draws closer, Olive and her friends have different views. Will the election tear them apart?

My Thoughts: I really loved this addition to the series. I loved Olive learning more about the inner workings of the school. I loved that students shared their troubles with her. I felt bad for her about her friendship hardships, but I loved how she wanted to make a difference. And that she knew she could make a different. I enjoyed how everything turned out. I wonder if this book might spark some reader's political interest.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Review: Yes, No, Maybe So

Maya's having a rough time lately. Her best friend is leaving for college soon and is too busy to spend time with her. Her summer vacation was just canceled. Her parents are testing the waters with a trial separation. Ramadan just isn't the same this year. Maya gets roped into canvasing for a senator with a boy she barely remembers from her childhood.

Jamie's not thrilled about canvasing; he hates public speaking. He'd rather be doing something behind the scenes. But being partnered with Maya isn't so bad.

As they start to work together more often, they start caring more about the campaign and each other. As they reconnect, their conversations deepen. Could their friendship turn into something more?

My Thoughts: This is a long book - but I didn't want it to end. I loved reading about Maya and Jamie. I loved learning more about canvasing and the issues Maya and Jamie faced. I loved how their conversations became deeper the longer they hung out together. I loved how they became invested in the campaign (and each other). I loved Jamie's grandmother and her social media account. The dual perspectives made this book. I found the ending hopeful and inspiring. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it.
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A great political book for your romance collection that touches on racism, religion, and friendship. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.