Published: 2022
Series: Who HQ
Genres: Biography
Grade Levels: 4, 5, 6, 7
Content Warnings: None
Goodreads Link: Who Is Kamala Harris?
Publisher’s Summary:
On November 7, 2020, Kamala Harris, a senator from California, became the first woman and the first African-American and South Asian-American person to be elected to the vice presidency. While her nomination for this position was not unexpected, her rise to national prominence was one filled with unexpected turns and obstacles. After failing her first bar exam to become a lawyer, she tried again and passed. From there, she quickly rose through the legal ranks, serving as district attorney of San Francisco, then California’s attorney general, and soon, senator. As a politician, Kamala Harris has been a vocal champion of progressive reforms and women’s rights. This exciting story details the defining moments of what led to her nomination and all the monumental ones since that have shaped her career and the future of America.
Review:
Part of the “Who HQ” series, this brief biography is well suited for grades 4 through 7 as an accessible literary resource. Harris’ life is presented in clear, non partisan prose that highlights her resilience, setbacks and the milestones that shaped her career. Black and white illustrations modeled on real photographs help younger readers visualize key moments from her childhood, career in law enforcement and historic political achievements. Although the book touches on controversial policies, the information is framed factually rather than argumentatively. A helpful timeline in the back provides students with quick reference points. Curricular connections include biography units, women’s history, civic leadership, timelines, character trait analysis, and research projects on modern political figures.
