  | Loud and proud : the life of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm Author: Cline-Ransome, Lesa | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005) is a hero and trailblazer. She was the first African American woman in Congress (1968) and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties (1972).
| Illustrator: | Juanita, Kaylani |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (-) (08/01/23)
School Library Journal (+) (08/01/23)
Booklist (+) (12/01/23)
The Hornbook (00/09/23)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 08/01/2023 Gr 2–5—History shines in this rousing biography of Shirley Chisholm. The expansive story follows the course of the congresswoman's life, from her childhood through her political career, culminating in her historic presidential campaign. Cline-Ransome's well-chosen language contrasts the narrow-minded contempt of the establishment with Chisholm's spirit and defiance: "When they told her to slow down, Shirley worked quickly…When they told her to remember her place, Shirley made her own place." Juanita's digital art, in vignettes and full bleeds, depicts Chisholm's tireless forward march through education and politics. Some illustrations contain straightforward snapshots of moments small and large—a family bedroom, a local rally, a spectacular fireworks display at the Capitol. Others focus on close-up views of objects, such as ballot boxes, food stamps, and presidential campaign buttons, to clarify key political concepts. In an inspired visual motif, Juanita renders the characters' speech as clouds emerging from their mouths (some empty and some containing important pull quotes from the story), a literal treatment of their words' energy and outward spread. While the word clouds of her naysayers are gray, spiked, and threatening, Chisholm's appear light blue and fluid, like a joyful tidal wave. VERDICT A first purchase, this excellent treatment of a trailblazing political figure will serve as a stepping stone from shorter picture books to chapter books for young lovers of biography.—Jonah Dragan - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 09/01/2023 *Starred Review* This vibrantly colored, boisterous, and well-paced biography of pioneering Shirley Chisholm belongs in every library. Following Shirley from her earliest years as a “bossy” tot through college and into politics and retirement, this all-encompassing account of the activist and politician is packed with detail while avoiding feeling dense. Cline-Ransome’s taut prose helps Shirley leap off the page with snappy dialogue, and her focus on Shirley’s actions and impact rather than the political world around her helps her be the star of her own story. Juanita’s colorful illustration style incorporates vintage color palettes, stylized figure designs, speech balloons, and playful perspectives and scale, making for a warm invitation into the story. The full spread of Chisholm at the Capitol with fireworks is a particular stunner! Smart, intellectual, and yet still child friendly, this informative volume offers young readers a chance to learn about Shirley and to hear for themselves her famous words—many of which will still resonate today. Add this to any biography collection in need of engaging titles about groundbreaking yet too-often-overlooked historical figures. Fans of the work of Mara Rockliff and Helaine Becker will find much to admire here. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.
