Elizabeth Warren

July 9, 2018
In this picture book biography of the senior Massachusetts senator, Wood offers a cogent perspective on Warren’s life. She traces Warren’s concerns over financial and social inequity to her childhood, citing her family’s economic downturn after her father had a heart attack: “Her middle-class family was no longer getting by. They were poor, on the edge of losing everything, even their house.” Wood describes Warren’s increasing motivation to bring about social change, first as an attorney and law professor, then as a senator, including the highly publicized event that would result in the titular “Nevertheless, she persisted” rallying cry. Green subtly captures Warren’s likeness in gentle, matte art featuring soft peach, rose, and plum tones. A fond tribute to a politician whose story is very much still being written. Ages 6–9.

July 15, 2018
An affectionate picture-book biography of Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren.Elizabeth Warren has always had a passionate drive for equity and justice, Wood begins. Because of her awareness of class differentials and the sexism she experienced as a working mother, Elizabeth decided to use her passion for debating and her strong sense of justice to become a lawyer, starting her own one-woman practice out of her home after graduating from law school. Prompted by her personal experiences, she seized her moment as she ran for and won a seat in the United States Senate, becoming both the first woman senator from Massachusetts and a fighter for women and working people across the country. Wood's bookended use of the refrain "She insisted. / She resisted. / She persisted" emphasizes Warren's fortitude and frames the rest of the narrative. Wood does mention that Warren claims "Native American ancestry" in an author's note but does not interrogate this, simply noting that her claim "came into question" during her campaign and citing Warren's response. With a colorful but muted palette, full-bleed spreads, and clear lines, Green's illustrations feel calm and steadfast, matching Wood's portrayal of Warren. Background characters are shown with diverse skin tones, hair, body types, family structures, and gender expressions.A strong, upbeat introduction to a bold figure. (author's note) (Picture book/biography. 6-10)

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August 1, 2018
Grades 3-5 This picture-book biography of Senator Elizabeth Warren concentrates on Elizabeth's lower-middle-class upbringing and how her family's financial struggles created her lifelong empathy for ordinary Americans. Despite challenges while growing up, Elizabeth persisted, becoming a scholarship award-�winning debater, the first college graduate in her family, a lawyer who stood up for the rights of the disadvantaged, a law professor, and a member of Congress. The text emphasizes Elizabeth's dependence on using her words as fighting tools, culminating in her 2017 temporary expulsion from the Senate floor after she refused to be silenced. The title refers to the moderator's now-famous defense ( She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted ) that has become a rallying cry for populations who feel silenced or marginalized. The story-like text flows, keeping readers engaged, and the illustrations are rendered in muted colors, adding period details and nuance. A bibliography contains mostly adult-level resources. This is a good choice for both reports and inspirational reading aloud. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)