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Book Bundles: Leaders
Welcome to Book Bundles, short weekly lists of recommended new books for a variety of age levels. Future Book Bundles will be browsable in our Booklists Archive. In this inaugural post, two books for older readers celebrate individual contributions on the local, national, and global stages; a picture-book biography looks at one politician’s childhood and how those formative years inform his life of public service. For more related books, click any of the subject tags below.
(3)
YA
Illustrated by
Jade Orlando.
Alexander introduces young activists from around the world. Twenty-seven profiles include well-known figures, such as the Parkland school-shooting survivors, but most of those featured will be new to readers--and the work and passion of those lesser-known activists is no less inspiring. Causes range from environmental justice, immigration reform, and indigenous rights to literacy, poverty awareness, anti-racism work, LGBTQIA rights, mental health awareness, and suicide prevention. These young adults provide a road map for tweens and teens interested in effecting change. The accompanying portraits are stylized but recognizable; lots of colorful spot art adds energy to the pages.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Amy June Bates.
This portrait of the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee focuses on Joe Biden's childhood and young adult years. The narrative ties together anecdotes showcasing Biden's leadership, compassion, faith, and strong commitment to family, with a focus on his humble upbringing and struggles with stuttering and bullying. Written by his wife--with veteran nonfiction author Krull--this picture book biography is laudatory but not overly so. Warm illustrations contribute to the text's comforting mood. Family tragedies are included in a timeline (current to March 2020). A list of homey "Bidenisms" and a bibliography are appended.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
(3)
YA
Illustrated by
Briana Arrington.
Content warning: Donohue's introduction states that "not all the women in this book are what I would consider heroes." Instead of showcasing fan favorites, the book offers the range of experiences and influence women have had in (mainly American) politics. Leaders include US senator Elizabeth Warren, current US secretary of education Betsy DeVos, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Each four-page profile follows the same format: "Life Story" and "What's on Her Agenda," followed by lists of "Awesome Achievements" and "Quotables." Portraits of nineteen of the profiled women are included.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
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