Children learn about Stacey Abrams in new picture book

Stacey Abrams

Written by Melissa H. Mwai

National Geographic Partners, 2022

Early readers can learn about Stacey Abrams in a new picture book published by National Geographic Partners.

Children may be inspired by Abrams. Though she was shy, she became a leader fighting for fairness and voting rights.

Abrams was the first lawyer in her family. She was the first black woman to be nominated for governor by a major political party. She was the first black woman to give the State of the Union response. The NAACP gave its first Social Justice Impact Award to her. The NAACP is a group that fights for equal rights.

As a young adult, she was the student vice president at Spelman College. She became a state representative in Georgia. She ran for governor of Georgia. She lost, but started a group called Fair Fight. People shared their stories about how they encountered problems when they tried to vote. Some voting places turned voters away because they had run out of paper. Others weren’t allowed to vote because they had the wrong ID cards.

The next year, Abrams started a group called Fair Count. It helped people fill out the 2020 census. It also helped people know how and where to vote. During the COVID-19 pandemic people were afraid to vote in person. Abrams gave speeches and told people to vote by mail or vote early. More Americans voted in the 2020 election than in any other in U.S. history. Abrams helped millions of people’s votes and voices be heard.

“Stacey Abrams,” is written at Level 2, which is for children who are reading independently. It is designed with short chapters and pictures on every page. Two pages list “cool firsts” about her, and another two pages highlight “cool facts” about her. The book ends with a short quiz and a glossary.

About the Author

Melissa H. Mwai is passionate about research and learning. She has a library science degree and works in education. As an Afro-Latina, she advocates for diverse representation for young readers. Melissa is thrilled that her debut book is about Stacey Abrams' inspirational life and voting activism. She is a registered voter and lives with her husband, two kids, and a pet bunny.

 

 

Picture book teaches youngsters about Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris

Written by Tonya K. Grant

National Geographic Partners, 2022

Children who are only beginning to read independently can learn about Vice President Kamala Harris in a new picture book published by National Geographic Partners.

The book, “Kamala Harris,” is written at Level 2, which is for children who are reading independently. It has short two- to four-page chapters and pictures on every page. A couple pages list her “cool firsts” and another two list “cool facts” about Harris. The book ends with a short quiz and a glossary.

The simplicity of the book makes it easy for young children. They may be inspired by Harris. She is the first woman, the first black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected vice president.

Harris was also the first to do other things. She was the first black person and first woman to serve as attorney general of California.  She was the first black woman and first South Asian woman to serve as district attorney of San Francisco. And she was the first Indian American to serve in the United States Senate.

The book also tells readers that she failed the test to become a lawyer the first time she took it. She studied harder and passed the test when she took it again. This also encourages children, showing them that they can be successful even if they fail the first time they try something.

About the Author

Tonya K. Grant is an elementary school librarian and former classroom teacher. She is committed to promoting reading and strives to inspire all children to read and see themselves in books. Her magazine credits include Clubhouse Jr., Highlights, and ParentLife. She’s also published in two books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys watching movies, knitting, and working out. She lives in McDonough, Georgia, with her husband and two sons. Follow her on Twitter - @TKGrant1