The ABCs of AOC: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from A to Z

by Jamia Wilson, Krystal Quiles (Artist)

The ABCs of AOC is an book about the representative taking Congress--and the media--by storm.

From A dvocate to F eminist, G rassroots to Q ueens, and R evolutionary to Z eal, The ABCs of AOC introduces readers to values, places, and issues that relate to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's life and platform. An explanation of each term is paired with an illustration.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Feminism

48 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2019

About the author

Jamia is a feminist activist, writer, and speaker. She joined Random House as vice president and executive editor in 2021. As the former director of the Feminist Press at the City University of New York and the former VP of programs at the Women’s Media Center, Jamia has been a leading voice on women’s rights issues for over a decade. Her work has appeared in numerous outlets, including the New York Times, the Today Show, CNN, Elle, BBC, Rookie, Refinery 29, Glamour, Teen Vogue, and The Washington Post. She is the author of Young, Gifted, and Black, the introduction and oral history in Together We Rise: Behind the Scenes at the Protest Heard Around the World, Step Into Your Power: 23 Lessons on How to Live Your Best Life, Big Ideas for Young Thinkers, ABC's of AOC, and the co-author of Roadmap for Revolutionaries: Resistance, Advocacy, and Activism for All.

Reviews

[michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A majority of the book felt more informational about government and basic terms or concepts, only occasionally adding in how AOC relates to each word. At the end of the book is where you can really dive in and learn how each word represents AOC.

Below is the list of ABC words selected to represent AOC.

Advocate, Bronx, Congress, Democracy, Education, Feminist, Grassroots, Human Rights, Immigration, Jobs, Knowledge, Latinx, Media, Nonconformist, Opponents, Protests, Queens, Revolutionary, Science, Teamwork, Underdog, Visionary, Washington, DC, Xenophobia, Youth, Zeal

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

“May she never know her place. Encourage young people; they know the way forward.” From this inspiring quote in the introduction, I was hooked! This beautifully illustrated picture book for children pairs perfectly with Rachel Ricketts’ adult nonfiction style call to action. Both authors structure the vocabulary laden text in a creative and compelling format--Wilson in an alphabet book, Ricketts in a text dependent glossary. As an educator and white women+, it is incumbent upon me to follow, support, and promote Black, Indigenous & Women of Color. It is my honor to introduce my students to a Latinx leader like AOC.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect way to introduce young readers to AOC and terms used in politics.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ABCs of AOC introduces young readers to politics, government, and of course, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The last several pages gives a little more depth to the concepts, each about a paragraph or two long. Some topics covered include immigration, human rights, social media, and the Bronx.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

1/30/2021 ~ Part biography, part intro to key terms relating to activism and democracy. Perhaps a bit didactic, but an important addition to an elementary library.

[Juta Kruusmäe · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can we encourage individuals to become advocates against injustice and speak up? The book had a soft color palette, and it was a compelling children's book.

Will not give five out of five points because of a plan in 2022, "We need direct talks with Russia and a negotiated settlement This article is more than 1 year old Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Cori Bush, Barbara Lee, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and others." Слава Україні!

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute concept but IMO added vague words that tangentially relate to AOC, to make the full alphabet. Would prefer a traditional nonfiction to learn about AOC or government/politics.