Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Kirsten Anderson, Manuel Gutiérrez (Illustrations)

The inspiring story of the youngest woman ever elected to Congress, told in the new Who HQ Now format for trending topics.

On June 26, 2018, twenty-eight-year-old Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a bartender from New York City, became the youngest woman ever elected to serve on Congress. Her win shocked the political world and she became a celebrity overnight. Soon, everyone knew her by her initials: AOC. As soon as she was sworn into office, AOC became a vocal champion for healthcare for all and the fight against climate change. This exciting story details the defining moments of what led to her victory and all the monumental ones since that have shaped her into a smart politician willing to fight for others, the environment, and the future of America.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, Childrens, History, Biography Memoir

56 pages, Hardcover

First published March 16, 2021

Reviews

[Kevin Keating · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty much a fluff piece in adoration of AOC. Designed for kids. In that respect it would be an incredibly boring read. The only saving grace is that it could've been worse I guess. I was interested in seeing what other characters were celebrated in this series and there were no conservative politicians written about, as I guess I would expect, but that's not really the point. This book is completely forgettable in its blandness. Kids would be better off finding research online.

[Danielle Russell · Rating 2 out of 5]

AOC is an incredible woman, but I think it was a little premature for the Who Is book on her. Don't get me wrong -- it provides a good overview of her life so far, but unlike others I've read in the series (Hillary Clinton, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Princess Diana), i don't feel like the book really does a lot to let readers know who she is... and I think a lot of that is because she's only been on the political scene for a little over 2 years now.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one is a 2.5 for me. Part of the accessible WHOHQ series of biographies about individuals making headlines today, this one features Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York Congressman who defeated an incumbent to win her seat. While it would have been helpful for youngsters to know more about her formative years, they can still gain some insight into her character and causes by reading this book and pondering and discussing the effects where one lives has on health and economics and someone's future. The book is strongest when covering her campaign, activism, and work in Congress while also acknowledging some of the criticism she has received. Still, I wish the book were a bit meatier with more details that reveal the woman behind the headlines. Readers may want to check out the references in order to learn more while watching this rising political star continue to have an impact on the legislative scene.

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can’t give her even a 2 rating. She is a disgrace, wanting the government to control everything. She is a liar, believes in abortion, so how can she care about children in Africa. She lied about Jan. 6th and what happened in the building that she was in. She was not threatened bc no one entered that building that was dangerous. The police came to check on those that worked in the building and it was verified that it had not been attacked. She made a false statement!

So many deceitful things said and done. She is untrustworthy and shouldn’t be representing anyone . Out her from office. She is a disgrace to our nation as is many liberals and conservatives. This country is becoming a third world country. Go against God and go down with the lowest of the low, taking all of us with you. CathyR

[Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short children's book - which I read to understand for children in a program I am involved with - is pretty good - for third graders - actually informed me more about the background of this young congresswoman - very impressive. So if you have an 8 or 9 year old it might be a good book - and if one doesn't really know about her and, an adult, wants to easily get to know it might find it interesting. I got it from the library.

The four stars are for an eight year old - vocabulary I think is not too difficult and presentation of facts are smoothly done in a very understandable way.

[Shelby]

I get the motivation of feeling the system is broken but I disagree with many of her opinions. I like that this talked about her age and social media presence and her speaking about getting cheap healthcare as a government employee. We grew up so different but I get where many of her points are coming from. I still firmly believe that allowing Medicare for all will lead to government control and eugenics...

[Elina · Rating 5 out of 5]

First you may be wondering why is her book so short it's because she is so young that is why it says that she's the youngest woman to ever serve in the United States Congress during the lockdown when there was covid she still help people and she was a young girl who was from New York City it's a really interesting book so I think you should read it

[Sdlclouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

It isn’t easy finding books about women of color who are (or should be) well known to elementary aged students. I’m always on the look out, and when I saw this I bought it immediately. AOC is an inspiration & I can’t wait for my students to read and learn about her!

[Erin Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another super slim entry in the Who Is series. They must have been rushing books to print for the 2021 run. Even though it's short, there was a lot of good information. I didn't know much of anything about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and now I'm looking forward to AOC for president 2028! 😂

[Karthika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Youth icon in the land of opportunities. She knows what she wants right from a young age. Wonderful to know about her.

[rowan ୨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Elaine Fultz, retired librarian (38 years serving youth) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short to-the-point bio of AOC. Another potentially inspiring story for young people who think they are too young to make a difference. Her science nerdiness will surprise some readers.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly written mini-bio of AOC, with an emphasis on what spurred her to participate in politics. Inspiring story.

[kim baccellia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging short history of the life of NY Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez which is a perfect addition to any school library.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...the youngest woman ever elected to Congress."

"...health insurance ... as a member of Congress will cost significantly less than the health insurance as a bartender..."

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good beginning book for learning about Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.

[Melenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great audiobook

[Nicole Feli · Rating 4 out of 5]

didn’t even mention the girl group of congress!!! 3.5

[Angela Juline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series...the people and topics I've read about have informed me and given me a better understanding of their lives/history.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

AOC is a passionate leader. We are lucky to have her in Congress.

[Marissa D · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Jenny Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and very brief biography. I do hope they revise it a few years down the road to include all the things that are to come.