An engaging account of Chisolm’s life…. This one is a cut above the rest." School Library Journal
"A multilayered, folk art sensibility, featuring textures, angles, and expressive figures of differing skin tones. A solid primer on a Black political visionary.” Publishers Weekly
"Created with acrylics and mixed-media collage, Harrison’s striking illustrations are notable for her use of line, color, and pattern. A handsome picture-book biography.” –-Booklist
“A timely and inspiring biography of a great woman who broke barriers and used her voice to elevate those around her.” --Kirkus
“Root[s] Chisholm in scene after scene as a pillar of self-assurance, equally unfazed by the acclaim, indifference, or opposition of the people around her.” --The Bulletin
05/24/2021
In this informative, accessible picture book biography, Newbery Honoree Williams profiles Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005), presenting her Brooklyn beginnings; her six years growing up in Barbados; and her subsequent education and fight to join the New York State Assembly and then Congress. Employing an italicized refrain of others’ judgments throughout Chisholm’s life (“That young lady is rebellious!”), Williams relays the various challenges and achievements Chisholm faced at each stage: “Politicians keep making promises. Yet nothing changes./ So Shirley steps her white oxford heels back into politics.” Acrylic and mixed media collage art by Harrison has a multilayered, folk art sensibility, featuring textures, angles, and expressive figures of differing skin tones. A solid primer on a Black political visionary. Back matter includes an author’s note. Ages 4–8. (June)
07/01/2021
K-Gr 3—Young Shirley St. Hill, born in Brooklyn, NY, but spending her formative years in Barbados, exhibited her curiosity and boldness from an early age. She was an outstanding student, graduated college, taught school, and became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Emphasis is placed on her determination, drive, and persistence. When she was held back in school, she acquired a tutor to catch up and skip a grade. In college, she joined political action groups and questioned why so little was being done in poor neighborhoods. Williams provides an engaging account of Chisolm's life in an accessible manner and Harrison's attractive acrylic illustrations enhance a fine text. There are many books on Chisholm's life for the targeted demographic but this one is a cut above the rest. VERDICT Librarians may feel they have enough books on Chisholm's life but this volume should be considered as more than an additional purchase.—Margaret Nunes, formerly at Gwinnett County P.L., GA
This short audiobook for kids recounts the life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to Congress. Expertly narrated by Adenrele Ojo, Chisholm’s story takes her from childhood in Barbados and New York to the U.S. House of Representatives. Ojo captures Chisholm’s spirited, rebellious personality and passion for politics. Ojo’s clear voice and even pacing make it easy for young listeners to follow along. By infusing her narration with emotion and enthusiasm, Ojo keeps listeners interested, inspiring them to dare to ask questions and take on the world as the formidable Chisholm did. A.L.S.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
This short audiobook for kids recounts the life of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to Congress. Expertly narrated by Adenrele Ojo, Chisholm’s story takes her from childhood in Barbados and New York to the U.S. House of Representatives. Ojo captures Chisholm’s spirited, rebellious personality and passion for politics. Ojo’s clear voice and even pacing make it easy for young listeners to follow along. By infusing her narration with emotion and enthusiasm, Ojo keeps listeners interested, inspiring them to dare to ask questions and take on the world as the formidable Chisholm did. A.L.S.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
2021-05-05
Shirley St. Hill was all the things a proper little girl was not: spirited, opinionated, and determined to get her way.
This picture-book biography of Shirley Chisholm opens with her early life in Brooklyn, New York, right before her immigrant parents send her and her younger sisters to live with their grandmother in Barbados. After six years the family is reunited in New York, where, nightly, Shirley listens to her father and his friends discuss politics, especially matters regarding Black people and women in America. Shirley becomes active in her community and frequently speaks up for others. She marries Conrad Chisholm and keeps up her activism. When a seat opens up in the New York State Assembly, Shirley runs for it and wins. She faces backlash for being a woman in politics, but Shirley remains undaunted. Three years later, Shirley makes history as the first Black woman elected to Congress. Williams imbues her account of Shirley Chisholm’s life with the voice of an oral storyteller, punctuating it with emphatic declarative statements that act as a refrain. It makes for an inspiring and rousing read-aloud that will give children an excellent sense of Chisholm’s determined character; such traditional elements of a biography as birth and death dates can be found in the author’s note. Harrison’s folk-art–inspired illustrations are as forthright as both the text and their subject. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A timely and inspiring biography of a great woman who broke barriers and used her voice to elevate those around her. (Picture book/biography. 5-9)