Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman by Sharice Davids (review)

It's no mean feat to make basic lessons in federal governance clear and engaging for a primary grade audience, but here Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids offers a picture book autobiography that effectively connects the dots between her youth, early career, and current legislative service in lively, direct address that will pull listeners right in. Raised by a single mother in military service, outgoing young Sharice made social connections easily and learned by observing her equally chatty mother that listening and finding common ground are skills that serve everyone well. They can't, however, mitigate the constant awareness of always being the only brown-skinned Native in the room; only in law school, with support from an advocacy group for Native lawyers, did she establish her first ties with Indigenous communities. Unsatisfied by working for a large firm or even her stint at the White House, she redirected her interest and her personal skills toward politics, marshalling her own sensitivity about living on the fringe to championing constituents marginalized in areas of health care, education, and civil rights. Within the text Davids explicitly claims her Ho-Chunk heritage and lesbianism but remains silent on political affiliation, allowing listeners to assess influences that contribute to her particular causes without encumbrance of partisan rhetoric or reference. Ojibwe artist Pawis-Steckley's vivid red and teal artwork melds a kid-friendly cartoon vibe with organic shapes and motifs that honor "the relationship both Sharice and I have to our past, present, and future as Indigenous people." End matter also includes an author's note and substantial information on the Ho-Chunk Nation.