The ABCs of AOC

September 16, 2019
In Wilson’s introduction to this alphabetical paean, she explains that present-day politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (“AOC”), “may just be changing the rules of politics” for future leaders. The book succeeds mainly as a presentation of terms associated with civic engagement, among them democracy, feminist, and human rights. Several of the descriptions lack a clear connection to AOC’s biography (though back matter provides context)—such as, for immigration, “immigration is coming into a new country to live there permanently,” and for visionary, “a visionary is a creative thinker who imagines a different future.” Quiles’s dynamic portraits of AOC and diverse groups bold strokes that echo the congresswoman’s well-known flair and tenacity. Though adult AOC aficionados will likely be the most delighted by this book’s conceit, and activists within the stated age range are unlikely to appreciate an abecedarian, the message, about “plant the seeds of change” for the future, is a strong one. Ages 8–up.

October 7, 2019

Gr 3-7-This alphabet picture book applies social studies vocabulary words to images of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other activists. Beginning with the word Advocate and ending with Zeal, each term represents a sophisticated political concept. Each concept is introduced in its "letter" page, which is supplemented by an additional paragraph in the appendix at the back. This is a book that does not talk down to children, though it may not quite reach them either. On the one hand, it offers important information about the inner workings of political advocacy. On the other, it's a book about organizing that lacks any useful organization. Additionally, it misses the point of alphabet books, which customarily introduce letters and sounds through simple words that young children and new language learners can understand. VERDICT Wait for a book that introduces the very admirable AOC through a narrative form.-Sheri Reda, Wilmette Public Library, IL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

An alphabetic double fanfare for the 116th Congress' youngest elected member. In a misapplied apparent effort to reach two tiers of future voters, Wilson runs through the alphabet twice, assigning a character trait or, more often, broad issue to each letter--"Democracy" and "Jobs" on up to "Xenophobia" and, finally, "Zeal"--and unpacking it...briefly at first, then later, on a second go-round, in slightly more detail but at the same general reading level. Thus, under A for "Advocate," readers learn that "Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez works to enact laws that will change lives for the better" in her community, and then, in the second alphabet, that she has a progressive platform and a Green New Deal. Unfortunately, the author renders moot her own argument that AOC is a true "Revolutionary" rather than just a "reformer" by describing how she won election to "Congress" by gathering "Grassroots" support, backs at least most of her chosen party's policies, and places high value on "Teamwork." Aside from mentions of the Afro-Latinx representative's Bronx childhood and Jewish forebears, her family and private life remain largely unexplored. Leaving the second alphabet a set of boxed narrative blocks, Quiles illustrates the first with scenes of Ocasio-Cortez dancing, speaking, or hanging out with racially diverse supporters in urban settings. Ocasio-Cortez may be a "trailblazer" who "walks her talk," but this is addressed to readers who already know that. (endnotes) (Informational picture book. 10-12, adult)

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