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Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman
This picture book autobiography tells the triumphant story of Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas!
When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she’d be in Congress. And she never thought she’d be one of the first Native American women in Congress. During her campaign, she heard from a lot of doubters. They said she couldn’t win because of how she looked, who she loved, and where she came from. But here’s the thing: Everyone’s path looks different and everyone’s path has obstacles. And this is the remarkable story of Sharice Davids’ path to Congress.
Beautifully illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland artist, this powerful autobiographical picture book teaches readers to use their big voice and that everyone deserves to be seen—and heard!
The back matter includes information about the Ho-Chunk written by former Ho-Chunk President Jon Greendeer, an artist note, and an inspiring letter to children from Sharice Davids.
When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she’d be in Congress. And she never thought she’d be one of the first Native American women in Congress. During her campaign, she heard from a lot of doubters. They said she couldn’t win because of how she looked, who she loved, and where she came from. But here’s the thing: Everyone’s path looks different and everyone’s path has obstacles. And this is the remarkable story of Sharice Davids’ path to Congress.
Beautifully illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland artist, this powerful autobiographical picture book teaches readers to use their big voice and that everyone deserves to be seen—and heard!
The back matter includes information about the Ho-Chunk written by former Ho-Chunk President Jon Greendeer, an artist note, and an inspiring letter to children from Sharice Davids.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2021
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377 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
July 10, 2021
Sharice Davids is my representative in Congress, so I was very excited about her picture book autobiography. It tells her inspirational life story from talkative child of an Army sergeant to one of the first Native American women in Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson representing Kansas. She worked hard, used her voice, and listened to people along the way. Even though she had doubters — "They thought I couldn't win based on what I look like, who I love, and where I started" — she overcame obstacles through perseverance & triumphed in the end. The illustrations are vibrant and capture Rep. Davids' message beautifully.
November 10, 2022
I’m proud to say that Sharice Davids is my representative in Congress and I’m thrilled that she was reelected to a third term last night. An inspiring life story illustrated by colorful Ojibwe Woodland art.
August 3, 2021
Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman is a children's picture book written by Sharice Davids with Nancy K. Mays and illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. Abig personality with a voice to match, Sharice listens to her heart to find her own path.
Sharice Lynnette Davids is an American attorney, former mixed martial artist, and politician serving as the U.S. Representative from Kansas's 3rd congressional district since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she represents a district that includes most of the Kansas side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, including cities such as Kansas City, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Leawood, Lenexa, as well as Olathe.
Davids' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. In this autobiographical picture book, Davids outlines her history-making path, beginning with her love of speaking, which eventually lead her to Congress. Backmatter includes an author's note, illustrator's note, and cultural note. Pawis-Steckley contributes boldly lined and colored digital illustrations, inflected with Native symbols and bold colors.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The narrative conversationally relays how frequent moves taught Davids that talking breaks down barriers and listening taught her to help others, and how a post-law school job advocating for Native American tribes led her to launch a run for Congress. The prose is reminiscent of an inspirational speech with a message of service that includes fun biographical facts.
All in all, Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman demonstrates that everyone's voice matters and needs to be heard.
Sharice Lynnette Davids is an American attorney, former mixed martial artist, and politician serving as the U.S. Representative from Kansas's 3rd congressional district since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she represents a district that includes most of the Kansas side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, including cities such as Kansas City, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Leawood, Lenexa, as well as Olathe.
Davids' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. In this autobiographical picture book, Davids outlines her history-making path, beginning with her love of speaking, which eventually lead her to Congress. Backmatter includes an author's note, illustrator's note, and cultural note. Pawis-Steckley contributes boldly lined and colored digital illustrations, inflected with Native symbols and bold colors.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. The narrative conversationally relays how frequent moves taught Davids that talking breaks down barriers and listening taught her to help others, and how a post-law school job advocating for Native American tribes led her to launch a run for Congress. The prose is reminiscent of an inspirational speech with a message of service that includes fun biographical facts.
All in all, Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman demonstrates that everyone's voice matters and needs to be heard.
December 9, 2023
I love being able to see indigenous children’s books on the market. There were so few of them (mainly Paul Goble), that being able to see the diversity in new PB’s is great. “Sharice’s Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman” by Sharice Davids with Nancy K. Mays and illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley is one of these.
While I love the inclusion of Native perspectives in children’s books, there were several issues with the way that this particular PB was set up. First and foremost, there was **way** too much text for a PB. In addition, the authors hit on way too many subjects. The illustrations were good, but seemed to mirror the book in that there was always too much going on.
I congratulate the authors for writing this book, but it appears as if it would have been better served if they’d written an adult autobiography instead.
One of the pages caught my eye in particular—and not in a good way. On that page (and on a subsequent one), the author complains when a child asks, “What are you, Sharice?” Her mother then tells Sharice that this type of questions isn’t a nice question to ask.
The author could have used this as a teaching moment. Instead of helping the other child to understand her ethnicity (there is, by the way, nothing inherently ‘wrong’ with this question, especially when coming from another child), the authors use this to actually shame other children and to teach them to be ashamed of themselves for simply asking a question.
I asked this question as a child myself. And as an anthropologist, I STILL ask this question. Remember folks, it’s not just **what** we say, but **how** we say things that matters. Oftentimes throughout my life, I have been asked this question by other people. It’s only natural for people to want to understand. I mean, how often do you meet someone who is as mixed up as myself (Native, White, and Jewish ancestry). My son is over 50% Native and looks just like the full-bloods on Pine Ridge. When someone asks him this question, he doesn’t jump to offense. Instead, he explains who he is, his ancestry, etc.
I wish I could have given this book a 5-star review. But with the excessive text and the shame linked to this PB, I simply can’t. Sharice Davids is a Congresswoman, and I congratulate her on her election. But she isn’t a PB writer. And apparently neither is her co-writer. I hope that both will learn that shaming children (and adults) is not the answer to behavioral and linguistic changes.
While I love the inclusion of Native perspectives in children’s books, there were several issues with the way that this particular PB was set up. First and foremost, there was **way** too much text for a PB. In addition, the authors hit on way too many subjects. The illustrations were good, but seemed to mirror the book in that there was always too much going on.
I congratulate the authors for writing this book, but it appears as if it would have been better served if they’d written an adult autobiography instead.
One of the pages caught my eye in particular—and not in a good way. On that page (and on a subsequent one), the author complains when a child asks, “What are you, Sharice?” Her mother then tells Sharice that this type of questions isn’t a nice question to ask.
The author could have used this as a teaching moment. Instead of helping the other child to understand her ethnicity (there is, by the way, nothing inherently ‘wrong’ with this question, especially when coming from another child), the authors use this to actually shame other children and to teach them to be ashamed of themselves for simply asking a question.
I asked this question as a child myself. And as an anthropologist, I STILL ask this question. Remember folks, it’s not just **what** we say, but **how** we say things that matters. Oftentimes throughout my life, I have been asked this question by other people. It’s only natural for people to want to understand. I mean, how often do you meet someone who is as mixed up as myself (Native, White, and Jewish ancestry). My son is over 50% Native and looks just like the full-bloods on Pine Ridge. When someone asks him this question, he doesn’t jump to offense. Instead, he explains who he is, his ancestry, etc.
I wish I could have given this book a 5-star review. But with the excessive text and the shame linked to this PB, I simply can’t. Sharice Davids is a Congresswoman, and I congratulate her on her election. But she isn’t a PB writer. And apparently neither is her co-writer. I hope that both will learn that shaming children (and adults) is not the answer to behavioral and linguistic changes.
March 17, 2022
An inspiring story of an Native American woman's road to Congress, winding through her childhood as the military brat of a single mother and careers as an MMA fighter, lawyer, and White House Fellow. It's not real deep and skims past some big issues too quickly, since it is written for children, but I liked the personality that shines through the chatty tone.
I found the art lacking though, with a dependence on profile shots and a distracting absence of fingers that gives everyone weird spatula hands.
I found the art lacking though, with a dependence on profile shots and a distracting absence of fingers that gives everyone weird spatula hands.
July 5, 2023
When I was young, I liked to talk. A lot. (I still do!)
I talked to my family, my friends, my friends' families.
I talked to neighbors, people shopping in the store, people working in the store.
I wanted to know things about people, like Did they move often?
Had they ever seen martial artist Bruce Lee kick through a wall?
And did they also hate onions on their pizza?
My mom likes to talk too. Watching her, I saw how a good
conversation can make people happy. You start as strangers,
but then you share ideas and learn about each other.
Maybe you learn they've moved four times.
They love Bruce Lee.
And, unlike me, they don't care if their pizza comes with
onions. (I still care. A lot.) (pages 3-4)
LOVE Davids' conversational style in this book. The reader gets to know her as an everyday hardworking person, as a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation (a nation that calls itself "PEOPLE OF THE BIG VOICE"), and as a member of Congress trying to make sure EVERYONE'S VOICE is heard. This would be VERY EASY TO READ ALOUD IN K-3, PERFECT FOR BOOK CIRCLES IN 4TH-5TH. There are just so many beautiful ideas we could ask them to talk about during small group conversations like -
*How did the Congresswoman's love for "talk" change her life? How did she become a stronger person as she talked with others? Or what did she learn about life through her "talk" with others?
*How did learning about her family's history as Native Americans change her perspective on the world?
*What did learning martial arts teach her (beyond learning how to protect herself)?
*What do Congresswoman Davids' words inspire you to think about? Or do?
AND Pawis-Steckley's illustrations are SUPERB. He is an established "Ojibwe Woodland" artist. His illustrations tell so much of the story and so much more. Children will want to look at the book again and again just to savor the pictures.
The BACK MATTER is fabulous including an inspirational note from Davids, Pawis-Steckley and a bit of information and history about the Ho-Chunk Nation written by Jon Greendeer, a former president of the Ho-Chunk Nation. DON'T SKIP READING THIS ALOUD to older primary grade students.
PAIR THIS TEXT WITH - What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Chris Barton.
I talked to my family, my friends, my friends' families.
I talked to neighbors, people shopping in the store, people working in the store.
I wanted to know things about people, like Did they move often?
Had they ever seen martial artist Bruce Lee kick through a wall?
And did they also hate onions on their pizza?
My mom likes to talk too. Watching her, I saw how a good
conversation can make people happy. You start as strangers,
but then you share ideas and learn about each other.
Maybe you learn they've moved four times.
They love Bruce Lee.
And, unlike me, they don't care if their pizza comes with
onions. (I still care. A lot.) (pages 3-4)
LOVE Davids' conversational style in this book. The reader gets to know her as an everyday hardworking person, as a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation (a nation that calls itself "PEOPLE OF THE BIG VOICE"), and as a member of Congress trying to make sure EVERYONE'S VOICE is heard. This would be VERY EASY TO READ ALOUD IN K-3, PERFECT FOR BOOK CIRCLES IN 4TH-5TH. There are just so many beautiful ideas we could ask them to talk about during small group conversations like -
*How did the Congresswoman's love for "talk" change her life? How did she become a stronger person as she talked with others? Or what did she learn about life through her "talk" with others?
*How did learning about her family's history as Native Americans change her perspective on the world?
*What did learning martial arts teach her (beyond learning how to protect herself)?
*What do Congresswoman Davids' words inspire you to think about? Or do?
AND Pawis-Steckley's illustrations are SUPERB. He is an established "Ojibwe Woodland" artist. His illustrations tell so much of the story and so much more. Children will want to look at the book again and again just to savor the pictures.
The BACK MATTER is fabulous including an inspirational note from Davids, Pawis-Steckley and a bit of information and history about the Ho-Chunk Nation written by Jon Greendeer, a former president of the Ho-Chunk Nation. DON'T SKIP READING THIS ALOUD to older primary grade students.
PAIR THIS TEXT WITH - What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?: The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Chris Barton.
July 29, 2021
This autobiographical picture book is fantastic!! Her own story about the events in her life that led her on the path to becoming a U.S. Congresswoman, one of the first two Native women ever to be in Congress. The themes come across through her advice on following your path. The back matter includes a great author's note & illustrator's note. And the additional "About the Ho-Chunk" pages, detailed enough to be their own separate text, are especially valuable for adding historical perspective on the Ho-Chunk Nation, people, and the U.S government policies in regards to Native Americans that have negatively impacted them.
Pair in text sets with books about government, Native Americans, autobiographies, Pride, or women's history. As the illustrator notes, "Sharice's is a culturally and historically significant success story for all young people."
Pair in text sets with books about government, Native Americans, autobiographies, Pride, or women's history. As the illustrator notes, "Sharice's is a culturally and historically significant success story for all young people."
August 1, 2021
I'm super excited to have this in our elementary school collection. It is the autobiography of a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. I am living on the ancestral lands of the Ho-Chunk people and our school occupies their ancestral lands also. We have very few books by or about Ho-Chunk people that take place in the present so this is awesome. The illustrations are bright and engaging and Sharice's life is very interesting. I know many will be intrigued by her martial arts experiences along with other aspects of her life. I'm really looking forward to having this in our library.
May 27, 2022
Sharice David’s strong positive personality comes through as she speaks directly to readers about her life and what she thinks is important. I liked this a lot more than I thought I would as Sharice evidences an engaging, resilient and humorous take on life. I found the cover art underwhelming and the first spread, showing Sharice with her mom confusing. (Her mom appears to be the same age as her, with an unlined face and a slim, masculine build.) Happily all the other illustrations both clarified the situation - we see Sharice’s mom as a young woman, where her unlined face makes sense and the other images manage to have a lot more personality and more going on than the rather flat and dull cover image. While this is a great book to have to introduce kids to a possible role model it is VERY light on what Sharice plans on accomplishing. Let’s hope there can be a triumphant update.
August 21, 2022
An autobiographical picture book that kids can relate to - they know who Bruce Lee is (but not the Fonz). Sharice Davids explains how everyone asked what she was and she didn't know or that it was not polite to ask. She emphasizes that while she liked to talk, she could learn to listen. She saw that our government needed different voices so she ran for Congress and now represents Kansas. We have long ignored modern indigenous people in the United States to the point where children come to think that they are extinct. Indigenous children need to see themselves in Kid lit.
February 16, 2022
Owned voice, Native American and lesbian. The story kept my 5 year old’s attention and the facts in the back were a little dense for his attention but the small pictures in this part of the book helped him with staying with me. When picture books do data dumps at the end of the book I think of it more for the adult reader to read then teach from that information. My child asked a lot of questions about this book. Great for conversations.
September 18, 2022
A rare treat--an autobiography written for children! This book will resonate with the reader in a powerful way, encouraging the reader to "Be open to challenges. Work hard and you'll learn a lot. Listen to people. (But not the doubters!) Use your big voice to fight for your beliefs. And always remember: You deserve to be seen -- and heard." Beautiful illustrations! Encouraging and uplifting text! Two thumbs up for this book!
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December 8, 2025This book is about the first Native American and lgbtq women in congress. It shows her journey from a young girl to a leader who learned how to use her voice to represent those in a diverse community. This book is good for 1-3rd grade I would use it in my classroom to show my students they can be anything they want as long as they continue to work hard for it.
June 16, 2021
I had the honor of meeting Congresswoman Davids at a MMA fight just before her election to Congress. Mutual friends that knew and trained with her in MMA introduced me and my wife to her.
Sharice is technically, by a few hours, the first Native American woman to be elected to Congress. In this book (and on her Wikipedia page) she doesn't mention that, preferring to say she was "one of the first", sharing the honor with New Mexico's Deb Halland, current Secretary of the Interior. Kudos to Sharice for her humility and inclusiveness.
The book itself is a gem. It provides children with lessons in etiquette, history, the virtues of hard work and ambition, and is tremendously inspirational. Nancy K. Mays did a wonderful job of writing the text at a level that was appropriate for children and yet communicated a powerful message. Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland Artist, provided illustrations that are simply beautiful and that perfectly compliment the story line.
We bought this book in a recent visit to Sharice's hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, and I only just noticed the copy had been signed by her that very month. After my wife and I read it we'll pass it on to our local library, so the children of our county can learn and draw inspiration from it.
Sharice is technically, by a few hours, the first Native American woman to be elected to Congress. In this book (and on her Wikipedia page) she doesn't mention that, preferring to say she was "one of the first", sharing the honor with New Mexico's Deb Halland, current Secretary of the Interior. Kudos to Sharice for her humility and inclusiveness.
The book itself is a gem. It provides children with lessons in etiquette, history, the virtues of hard work and ambition, and is tremendously inspirational. Nancy K. Mays did a wonderful job of writing the text at a level that was appropriate for children and yet communicated a powerful message. Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland Artist, provided illustrations that are simply beautiful and that perfectly compliment the story line.
We bought this book in a recent visit to Sharice's hometown of Lawrence, Kansas, and I only just noticed the copy had been signed by her that very month. After my wife and I read it we'll pass it on to our local library, so the children of our county can learn and draw inspiration from it.
August 17, 2024
I love you, Sharice Davids
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November 15, 2022Really into the artwork and the *idea* of this book, but the text is long and boring and overuses exclamation marks to the point of distraction. It read to me as though it couldn't quite figure out who its audience should be.
All this said, I'm super into a book that centers a queer indigenous woman - just wish it was executed better.
All this said, I'm super into a book that centers a queer indigenous woman - just wish it was executed better.
October 7, 2021
Written by Sharice Davids, one of the first two Native American women to become US Congresswomen, this is the story of her unlikely path to being a representative. It is a story of triumph and of being you, no matter what people say. I like the theme of getting to know people by listening to them that runs throughout the story. The writing is not overly poetic, but clear, concise and interesting. The illustrations are beautiful. I love that an Indigenous artist was paired with Sharice Davids for this project and that he took care to share their roots through his art. There is a note from him, the author, and more on the Ho-Chunk Nation in the back of the book. This is an inspired autobiography for kids.
May 30, 2021
Sharice Davids shares her story of overcoming obstacles and other people's perceptions to become the first LGBTQ Native American Congressperson. Learning about and experiencing firsthand the unequal treatment she and her people have endured over the years, she used her voice to make a difference. An inspiring picture book autobiography that will introduce readers to an incredible political figure who spoke out not just for her rights but for others.
November 28, 2021
Congresswoman Sharice Davids's first person voice, she reflects on the stages in her life that led to her current elected position. As a Native/indigenous woman she describes the powerful influence of witnessing her mother using her voice in conversation, especially with strangers. Sharice was a talker, too, enough so that it sometimes got her into trouble in school. Even so, her curiosity, her opinions, and her growing awareness of her Ho-Chunk heritage revealed that their identity is PEOPLE OF THE BIG VOICE. (Learn more HERE).
While studtying in college she had many jobs that required her to problem solve, to listen, and to find resolutions. Those years included training in Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Capoeira, and mixed martial arts, building confidence, her competitive spirit, and reinforcing her mother's example of hard work leading to success. She describes becoming a lawyer, serving Native communities, and eventually working in the White House. Throughout her law career she learned how laws are made and also how rarely those making the laws understand the impact they would have on ordinary people. The closing pages reveal her grassroots campaign to become a lawmaker, leading to her election to Congress where her big voice could speak on behalf of those forgotten people.
Back matter includes notes from the authors, as well as several pages of information about Ho-Chunk Nation. Throughout this simply-told account there are personal insights that will connect with kids (she HATES onions on pizza!). The illustrations by Ojibwe Woodland artist Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley use strong, earthy tones in high-contrast colors, emphasizing geometric shapes and other Native references with bold black lines in powerful postures and profiles throughout.
While studtying in college she had many jobs that required her to problem solve, to listen, and to find resolutions. Those years included training in Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Capoeira, and mixed martial arts, building confidence, her competitive spirit, and reinforcing her mother's example of hard work leading to success. She describes becoming a lawyer, serving Native communities, and eventually working in the White House. Throughout her law career she learned how laws are made and also how rarely those making the laws understand the impact they would have on ordinary people. The closing pages reveal her grassroots campaign to become a lawmaker, leading to her election to Congress where her big voice could speak on behalf of those forgotten people.
Back matter includes notes from the authors, as well as several pages of information about Ho-Chunk Nation. Throughout this simply-told account there are personal insights that will connect with kids (she HATES onions on pizza!). The illustrations by Ojibwe Woodland artist Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley use strong, earthy tones in high-contrast colors, emphasizing geometric shapes and other Native references with bold black lines in powerful postures and profiles throughout.
March 18, 2022
Though very text heavy, this story describes the remarkable life of the first Native American lesbian congresswoman and the positive, self-empowering, and life-changing choices she made along the way. Stylized illustrations are colorful, but the strange thought clouds are often a distraction. Endnotes include interesting information about the Ho-Chunk nation, the clan and tribal systems, their language, and Warrior tradition.
July 18, 2021
Striking digital illustrations provide a visual backdrop for this story of triumph concerning one of the first Native Americans elected to the United States Congress. Through its pages, Sharice Davids shares her journey as a young child moving from place to place with her mother, who was in the military. She faced several challenges, including individuals who would ask her what she was, but she also learned that listening to others is helpful and may ease their concerns. Along the way, she developed her big voice, went to law school, and ran for and was elected to Congress, the first lesbian elected as a representative of that state. I wanted to know more about what matters to Sharice and more about what she learned over the years, but it's good to have a book about such a groundbreaker available for children. Sometimes the humorous asides detracted from the narrative although they seemed to be an attempt to allow parts of her personality to come through rather than the book being part of a political campaign. Since she was elected in 2018, I would have expected more about what she learned from that first term. I actually liked the illustrations more than the text.
October 5, 2021
Thanks to Edelweiss for providing a digital copy to read and review.
Sharice Davids has a big voice and it is clear that her wonderful voice shows through this fantastic, autobiographical picture book. Growing up watching her mother work hard and earn movement through the military, train in martial arts and learn how to listen as well as speak, Sharice grew into the curious, kind, smart, strong and giving person she is today - a congresswoman! Native American, listening and helping indigenous people, learning about law, this hard working woman achieved something that will continue to help others for a long time. A must read for all students!
Sharice Davids has a big voice and it is clear that her wonderful voice shows through this fantastic, autobiographical picture book. Growing up watching her mother work hard and earn movement through the military, train in martial arts and learn how to listen as well as speak, Sharice grew into the curious, kind, smart, strong and giving person she is today - a congresswoman! Native American, listening and helping indigenous people, learning about law, this hard working woman achieved something that will continue to help others for a long time. A must read for all students!
June 23, 2021
An inspiring picture book autobiography from the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas.
November 22, 2023
Sharice’s Big Voice is an autobiographical picturebook I read for a graduate course on children’s literature. I found it on the CCBC website, and it has won Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year in 2022 for the Biography/Memoir category as well as was nominated for numerous other awards and has made many best diverse book lists (CCBC Choices List 2022). It is written by Sharice Davids, one of the first Native women to be elected to Congress as well as the first LGBTQ elected official from Kansas. It is illustrated by, Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley,an Objiwe Woodland artist. The book focuses on Sharice’s upbringing and how she didn’t see people like her in the government. Her White peers always asked Sharice “what are you?” which made her feel othered. As Sharice grew up, she knew she wanted to make a difference and use her talents for active listening and non-stop talking to make change in the United States. After law school, Sharice eventually ran for Congress and won. Sharice wants kids to know everywhere that their voice matters and that they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. She especially wants women, kids of color, LGBTQ kids, and Native kids to recognize their power. I really enjoyed this book. I personally did not know who Sharice was, and I learned so much about her in such a short book. The book was funny and heart-warming, but it also brought up important issues of representation and feeling like one belongs. The pictures were also amazing. There is an illustrator’s note at the back of the book by Pawis-Steckley. The pictures were created through what looks like mixed media and used thick, dark lines to point out features of the people. The style was expressionism . The book uses both double and single paged spreads along with different color fonts when words that are of significance are written. Emotions are very clear, between the expressions on the drawings’ faces or the different colored and larger sized font. It is clear the illustrator wanted to honor the Native culture as well as to show how strong of a person Sharice is. I would use this book for a variety of social studies topics in the classroom. This book would fit well under the Indigenous People’s Month of November, Women’s History Month in March, and Pride Month in June. I also can see using this specifically in seventh grade or junior year of high school when American history and the Constitution tests are given. This book can be used as a mentor text where it is read aloud to students as they take notes on Davids’ life. This could jumpstart research on other people with her identity markers who serve our country who aren’t widely recognized. The back of the book also has information regarding the Ho-Chunk tribe, Davids’ tribe. Through reading this book, this could jumpstart students researching the tribe even more. This book could also stimulate conversation about perseverance and overcoming adversity. It could also lead to great discussions about using one’s voice to effect change. The topics also lend themselves to journal prompts for these same questions. The back of the book has a section on the Ho-Chunk tribe which is super informative for all readers; it was written by the former president of the Nation. This book falls under the category of factual nonfiction/autobiography because Sharice wrote it herself about her life, spanning from her childhood to her present. This book demonstrates the value of nonfiction because it is educating kids about an important person in the government. It falls under the peoples and cultures category because kids are learning about the Ho-Chunk tribe and a famous member of it. The structure of the text read like narrative nonfiction because Davids wrote about her life in a story-like tone which made it accessible for young readers. It was written in a sequential text structure because it went through the various stages of her life. The illustrative style was very eye-catching. Overall, this was a wonderful story, and I am glad I read it.
August 21, 2022
Unexpected - in a good way. I really appreciated Congresswoman Davids' voice, and how she talked to her audience directly. This might be the most down to earth, grounded story I've ever read by someone who is on the national stage. Big respect for the illustrator as well. I will read and look out for the author (obviously) and the illustrator, Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Anishaabe nation), again.
Here's an example from the Author's Note of her voice:
"I also hope you realize the power in your choices. As you know by now, I went to law school. Often, people have said to me, "I bet law school changed your life." But the truth is that the school didn't change my life. My choice changed my life. Yours choices will change yours as well.
And law school may not be your choice. Your choice may be working with animals or learning magic tricks or being a singer. The point is, you get to decide what success means for you. That's your choice and only yours. And remember that whatever your path is, you're changing the world just by being here.
It took me a while, but I'm really glad I found my big voice. If you haven't already, I hope you find yours too, because I can't wait to hear what you have to say.
Your friend,
Sharice."
Make sure to read the history of the Ho-Chunk people at the back of the book for a fuller understanding.
Here's an example from the Author's Note of her voice:
"I also hope you realize the power in your choices. As you know by now, I went to law school. Often, people have said to me, "I bet law school changed your life." But the truth is that the school didn't change my life. My choice changed my life. Yours choices will change yours as well.
And law school may not be your choice. Your choice may be working with animals or learning magic tricks or being a singer. The point is, you get to decide what success means for you. That's your choice and only yours. And remember that whatever your path is, you're changing the world just by being here.
It took me a while, but I'm really glad I found my big voice. If you haven't already, I hope you find yours too, because I can't wait to hear what you have to say.
Your friend,
Sharice."
Make sure to read the history of the Ho-Chunk people at the back of the book for a fuller understanding.
Read
November 24, 2021Sharice Davids, the author of this book, made history in 2018 when she became the one of the first Native American women in Congress, and the first Lesbian representative from Kansas. Growing up challenging gender and racial stereotypes with the support of her mother, who was an amazing army officer, Sharice listened to people around her, practising martial arts to stay strong, confident, focused, and kind. And most importantly, she is willing to serve others. She is willing to represent her people when they are not usually fairly represented in the Congress of the United States.
A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, she wants children to understand that her schooling doesn't change her life. It is her DECISION to go to school and become a lawyer that changed her life. So can your choice change your life. Listen to your voice, and listen to voices of people, not those from the "doubters". Reading this children's books turns into a learning experience to challenge my own ignorance. Thank y0u, Sharice, U.S. Congresswoman Davids.
The illustrator of the book is Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland artist from Barrie, Ontario. and a member of Wasauksing First Nation.
A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, she wants children to understand that her schooling doesn't change her life. It is her DECISION to go to school and become a lawyer that changed her life. So can your choice change your life. Listen to your voice, and listen to voices of people, not those from the "doubters". Reading this children's books turns into a learning experience to challenge my own ignorance. Thank y0u, Sharice, U.S. Congresswoman Davids.
The illustrator of the book is Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland artist from Barrie, Ontario. and a member of Wasauksing First Nation.
November 13, 2022
Brilliant story of self-confidence, empathy, self-reflection, and perseverance. We don't deserve Sharice Davids, but she doesn't hold that against us.
One of the first Native American (Ho-Chunk) women elected to Congress (author Sharice was one of two in 2018), and Kansas's first lesbian representative, Sharice Davids has also given us an amazing picture book of her path from empathetic military brat to Representative.
The underlying theme is that we become our best selves by lifting others up and continuing the cycle. The story ends with a wonderful and encouraging note from "Your friend, Sharice".
The daughter of a residential school survivor, Sharice kept her pride in her heritage. Backmatter by former Ho-Chunk Nation president John Greendeer is an age-appropriate but honest history of the Ho-Chunk and Native American people in the USA. (But if that sort of thing upsets you, chances are you're not reading this book).
Sharice's love for her fellow humans, gratitude toward her ancestors and support system, and passion for helping others shine through.
Thank you to Harper for the review copy; sent to me in consideration for the 2021 Cybils award. The nomination was very well-deserved.
One of the first Native American (Ho-Chunk) women elected to Congress (author Sharice was one of two in 2018), and Kansas's first lesbian representative, Sharice Davids has also given us an amazing picture book of her path from empathetic military brat to Representative.
The underlying theme is that we become our best selves by lifting others up and continuing the cycle. The story ends with a wonderful and encouraging note from "Your friend, Sharice".
The daughter of a residential school survivor, Sharice kept her pride in her heritage. Backmatter by former Ho-Chunk Nation president John Greendeer is an age-appropriate but honest history of the Ho-Chunk and Native American people in the USA. (But if that sort of thing upsets you, chances are you're not reading this book).
Sharice's love for her fellow humans, gratitude toward her ancestors and support system, and passion for helping others shine through.
Thank you to Harper for the review copy; sent to me in consideration for the 2021 Cybils award. The nomination was very well-deserved.
October 17, 2023
An inspiring picture book by US Congresswoman Sharice Davids with Nancy K. Mays.
Subtitled "A Native Kid Becomes A Congresswoman", this autobiographical story follows Sharice's life being raised by a loving single mom who was in the military. Sharice learned how to work hard for what she wanted. From selling newspapers to managing a burger joint, she becomes the first person in her family to go to college. She becomes a pro-MMA fighter, then decides to become a lawyer "to make our US laws more just and fair".
And "that's when I had a bold, brave idea that would need my big voice, my ability to listen, and my ability to take a punch: I decided to run for US Congress!"
Her hard work paid off again when she became one of the first two Native women elected to Congress!
This is an upbeat book that teaches kids to follow their dreams and to use their voice for a better world. The illustrations by Ojibwe Woodlands artist Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley are both charming and beautiful.
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Subtitled "A Native Kid Becomes A Congresswoman", this autobiographical story follows Sharice's life being raised by a loving single mom who was in the military. Sharice learned how to work hard for what she wanted. From selling newspapers to managing a burger joint, she becomes the first person in her family to go to college. She becomes a pro-MMA fighter, then decides to become a lawyer "to make our US laws more just and fair".
And "that's when I had a bold, brave idea that would need my big voice, my ability to listen, and my ability to take a punch: I decided to run for US Congress!"
Her hard work paid off again when she became one of the first two Native women elected to Congress!
This is an upbeat book that teaches kids to follow their dreams and to use their voice for a better world. The illustrations by Ojibwe Woodlands artist Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley are both charming and beautiful.
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August 10, 2025
Sometimes, I find it helpful to turn to children’s books for my history lessons. The concise nature of the details makes it easier to digest information. Yes, picture books are more brief but, sometimes, a little goes a long way to sparking interest.
Reading the words “…one of the first Native American women in Congress…” sent me down a research-rabbit-hole as I investigated the history of Congressional representation by Native Americans. For the curious, Sharice Davids was inaugurated in 2019 alongside Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo nation.
Sharice’s Big Voice was informative and inspirational. May those being told by teachers “You talk a lot” and those who see themselves reflected in the beautiful artwork read this autobiography with hope and see where words can take you.
Reading the words “…one of the first Native American women in Congress…” sent me down a research-rabbit-hole as I investigated the history of Congressional representation by Native Americans. For the curious, Sharice Davids was inaugurated in 2019 alongside Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo nation.
Sharice’s Big Voice was informative and inspirational. May those being told by teachers “You talk a lot” and those who see themselves reflected in the beautiful artwork read this autobiography with hope and see where words can take you.
October 7, 2021
Many people didn’t believe Sharice Davids had a real chance to become a Congresswoman. However, the doubters obviously didn’t know how persistent she was. This picture book starts from her young elementary school years, giving depth to her personality and feelings, and then it goes all the way through her winning the election for congress. The back matter includes an Author’s Note, an Artist’s Note, and a lengthy section specifically about the Ho-Chunk (written by Jon Greendeer, the former President of the Ho-Chunk Nation). The artist used Procreate to create the digital illustrations for this book.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
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