Kamala Harris: History-Making US Vice President: ISBN 978-1-6782-0086-2 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0087-9
Kirkus Reviews, May 1, 2021
A daughter of immigrants follows a path of social and political activism to become the first female, Black, and Asian American vice president of the United States.
Kamala Harris' story is outlined here, from her childhood years to her rise in California politics and election as vice president. Her mother, who came from India, and her father, who is from Jamaica, met as graduate students in Berkeley. They were both interested in social justice, and some of Harris' earliest memories are of attending protests. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her mother raised her daughters to identify with both sides of her family while recognizing that they would be perceived as Black. Harris attended the historically Black Howard University in Washington, D.C., before returning to California for law school. Despite distrust of prosecutors in marginalized communities, Harris chose that caree! r path, believing in her ability to make change. Political success followed despite some criticism, such as when she refused to seek the death penalty following the killing of a police officer. Her qualifications led to her selection as running mate for 2020 presidential candidate Joe Biden. This brief, easy-to-read biography, enhanced with quotes and photographs, offers a solid introduction. Sidebars provide important background context, and the work as a whole provides a useful snapshot of the life of an important woman.
A concise depiction of the journey that broke many barriers for a driven woman of color. (source notes, timeline, further research, index) (Nonfiction. 12-16)
Kamala Harris: History-Making US Vice President: ISBN 978-1-6782-0086-2 / eBook: 978-1-6782-0087-9
School Library Connection, August/September, 2021
When Kamala Harris was sworn in as the 49th vice president of the United States on January 20, 2021, she made history. The daughter of immigrants, her mother from India, her father from Jamaica, Kamala was brought up during the civil rights protests of the 1960s, which her parents took part in. Social justice became a part of her personal beliefs, and she graduated from Howard University with bachelor's degrees in economics and political science. After graduating from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, Harris was admitted to the State Bar of California. Subsequent positions she held and was elected to are detailed, as well as her run for president in 2019. Although she dropped out of the race, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden saw his future running mate in Harris, and history was made with their swearing in after the 2020 election. Harris's mental toughness, positive attitude, and willingness to work hard for the things she believes in are detailed, as well as the importance of her family. Illustrated with color photographs, pages also include text boxes which provide additional information. End pages feature an extensive list of source notes and a timeline of important events. This book will find a place in current event, government, and biography collections. Bibliography. Index. Websites.
Tracy A. Fitzwater, Teacher-Librarian (Retired), Port Angeles, Washington
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