She Was the First! The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm

She Was the First! The Trailblazing Life of Shirley Chisholm chronicles the journey of a girl from Brooklyn who became the first Black woman elected to Congress. This biography follows Chisholm from her early years through her path-breaking political career. The narrative traces her experiences in education, her entry into New York politics, and her historic campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Through both setbacks and victories, the book documents Chisholm's persistence in pursuing her goals and fighting for her beliefs. The text includes details about Chisholm's work on education reform, her advocacy for racial and gender equality, and her efforts to represent marginalized communities. Laura Freeman's illustrations complement the story with scenes from key moments in Chisholm's life. This biography illuminates themes of courage, determination, and the power of breaking barriers. The story serves as both a historical record and an inspiration for readers interested in social justice and political change.

Readers praise this children's biography for making Chisholm's achievements accessible to young audiences while maintaining historical accuracy. Many appreciate the emphasis on Chisholm's determination and how the book connects her childhood experiences to her later political career. Likes: - Laura Atkins' illustrations complement the text - Clear explanations of complex political concepts for children - Inclusion of Chisholm's famous quotes - Strong message about perseverance Dislikes: - Some find the text dense for younger readers - A few note it moves quickly through major life events Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (282 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (156 ratings) Multiple teachers and librarians mention using the book successfully in grades 2-5. One educator writes, "My students were particularly engaged by the sections about her childhood and could relate to her early leadership experiences." The book received the 2021 Carter G. Woodson Book Award from the National Council for Social Studies.

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🗳️ Shirley Chisholm fought against discriminatory practices in Congress, even successfully challenging the seniority system that initially assigned her to the Agriculture Committee, which had little relevance to her urban district's needs. 👩‍🏫 Before entering politics, Chisholm worked as a nursery school teacher and director, which shaped her later advocacy for education and children's welfare in Congress. 📚 Author Katheryn Russell-Brown is a legal scholar and professor at the University of Florida, who has written several acclaimed children's books focusing on African American historical figures. 🎨 The book's illustrator, Eric Velasquez, won the John Steptoe New Talent Award and has illustrated over 30 children's books celebrating diverse cultures and histories. ✊ Chisholm's campaign slogan "Unbought and Unbossed" became a powerful symbol of political independence and inspired future generations of women in politics, including Vice President Kamala Harris.