Stacey Abrams: Lift Every Voice

This is a comprehensive, inspiring biography of a leader whose moral compass guides her work. Mikai's art faithfully represents Abrams at different ages and in various settings and helps communicate to young readers the experiences that distinguish Abrams' life as well as the social situations and power dynamics that inform her priorities

PreS-Gr 4--Warren visits touchstones in the life of Stacey Abrams. Rather than focusing narrowly on details, the narrative centers on the elements of her childhood and student experiences that shaped the politician she is today. As a child, she and her five siblings were instilled with strong values by their parents, and Abrams learned to give back to her community, participate politically, and to value education, an arena in which she excelled. Her advocacy efforts as a college student led her to the work she continues, registering young people to vote. Abrams was elected to the House of Representatives for the state of Georgia, and in 2018 she made history by becoming the first Black woman to be nominated for governor by a major political party. A fantastic time line in back matter highlights the history of voting in the United States interspersed with key moments in Abrams's own life. Dynamic and textured illustrations depict Abrams as she ages, and beautifully crafted visages, hair, and fabric bring to life the world she moves through. This book serves as a big-picture commentary on democracy as it is a narrative about the life of a single individual. However, Warren occasionally generalizes in an effort to squeeze a lot of information into the format, and there is a lack of detailed information to back up statements that then blur the line between facts and opinions. VERDICT For a first look at a major political player, the simple text, not bogged down by heavy detail, is a powerful vehicle in conveying the importance of participating in a democratic society, especially through exercising the right to vote. Not recommended for collections where a more in-depth resource is needed.--Lauren Younger

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