Who Was Shirley Chisholm?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Crystal Hubbard, Who HQ, Tim Foley (illustrator)

Read all about about the first Black woman to be elected to Congress in this empowering addition to the Who Was? series.Shirley Chisholm showed interest in politics early on, majoring in sociology at Brooklyn College in New York City. During this time she was awarded for her debate skills, became a champion for inclusion in the Harriet Tubman society, and graduated cum laude. She dedicated much of her career to fighting for the rights of Black people and women, eventually becoming the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968. Remarkably, Shirley represented New York's 12th district, including the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, from 1969 to 1983. She fought for the rights of the people, becoming a founding member for the National Women’s Political Caucus and advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment. Learn all about Shirley’s life, from her early activism to her presidential candidacy and her lasting political legacy, in this illustrated biography.

Genres: Biography

112 pages, Library Binding

Published December 24, 2024

Reviews

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The She Persisted mini chapter book biography series are perfect for elementary and intermediate age students interested in learning about the featured person for an assignment or just for an informative read about important women in history. This edition about trailblazer Shirley Chisholm, is well written and made me want to learn more, which is exactly what these introductory stories should be.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informative and inspiring children’s chapter book about Shirley Chisholm, as one might expect from the Who Is/Was series. It is the latest in a number of children’s books about her, and while other books are more colorful, this is the one a student would find most useful for writing a report. I continue to seek out quality children’s books about women who have run for president.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confusing, details left out about how and why she was involved in starting WIC, women, infants and children.
She did a lot of good and overcame many obstacles. What a powerhouse. She was brilliant!

[David Rough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good concise biography for young readers. I loved Shirley Chisholm's story. It is inspiring and encouraging. The facts were presented with a personal touch and an insightful look into the woman behind the office.

[Susan's Sweat Smells Like Literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well done!

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting to learn about the life of this creative lady of congress.