Publishers Weekly
10/10/2022
Two boys accompany their mother to work in Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Building in this familial account of Palestinian American congressperson Rashida Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Inside the Rotunda, Tlaib and Paul’s coauthor Adam Tlaib, here portrayed as a child, explains, “Mama’s story of opening doors started long before she was elected to Congress.” He describes her childhood in southwest Detroit, where her family encounters racism and experiences financial instability. “The first in her family to graduate from high school, college and law school,” Tlaib deepens her understanding of Islam, pursues public service, and gives birth to—then campaigns with—her sons. Aserr’s contemporary illustrations emphasize juxtapositions, rendering the U.S. Capitol sun-soaked, and Detroit factories dark under sooty skies in this intimately voiced narrative. Back matter includes a glossary and description of government branches. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)
From the Publisher
"A welcome notice that our government is increasingly diversifying" — Kirkus Reviews
"A fun way to talk to kids about the ways anyone can make a change in the world if they set their heart to the task." — Booklist
School Library Journal
08/12/2022
Gr 1–4—Adam Tlaib tells the story of his mother Rashida's lifelong mission to help make people's lives better—as an activist, a lawyer, and an elected official (first in the Michigan House of Representatives, then in the U.S. House of Representatives). Her Palestinian heritage and Muslim religion are important parts of her identity; when Adam suggests it might be safer to hide, she replies that it's "important to be our authentic selves." The language is as kid-friendly as possible for the topic, and there's a helpful glossary, as well as a description of the three branches of government, using a tree analogy. The illustrations are lively and varied, showing the Tlaib family, the campaign trail, and the great round hall of the U.S. Capitol building filled with warm golden light (and a portrait of Shirley Chisholm). First-person narration from a kid's point of view makes the story relatable, and Rashida Tlaib's successes are inspiring. VERDICT A valuable addition to picture book biography collections.—Jenny Arch
