Not Done Yet: Shirley Chisholm's Fight for Change

by Tameka Fryer Brown, Nina Crews (Illustrator)

Shirley Chisholm was a natural-born fighter.

She didn't like to be bossed

and she wanted things to be fair.



Brooklyn-born Shirley Chisholm was smart and ambitious. She poured her energy into whatever she did--from teaching young children to becoming Brooklyn's first Black assemblywoman. Not afraid to blaze a trail, she became the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first women to seriously run for US president. With a vision of liberty and justice for all, she worked for equal rights, for the environment, for children, and for healthcare. Even now, her legacy lives on and inspires others to continue her work . . . which is not done yet.

Stirring free verse by Tameka Fryer Brown and evocative illustrations by Nina Crews provide an inspirational look at changemaker Shirley Chisholm.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, Politics, Biography Memoir, African American

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

Children's book author. Montessori mom. Reads banned books.

Reviews

[Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book honors Shirley Chisholm in its insistence on sticking to the theme of Chisholm's life which was not about being "first"–although she had many notable firsts– but about being a catalyst, a person who starts things. I love how the narrative and Fryer Brown's author's note emphasizes this, that Shirley Chisholm was all about creating a legacy and that legacy is "not done yet." Nina Crews' art at the end with illustrations of current-day politicians Chisholm paved the way for also makes this point in a resounding way. A beautifully written bio that taught me much I hadn't known about this important political figure.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one. The art is bright and dynamic as, I imagine, Chisholm herself would have been. Strong message and I like that it mentions that she didn’t win her presidential run while also showing she paved the way for so many who came after her so that in some ways it's still a win.

Author and illustrator note, citations, timeline, note on quotes.

[Aya Khalil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and informative picture book biography by Tameka Fryer Brown. So many gems in this non-fiction book about Shirley Chisholm, an American politician and the first Black woman elected to the US Congress. Beautiful and lyrical language along with lively and sweet illustrations by Nina Crews. I hope classrooms across the nation require this important book in their school. Important and informative read for all ages!

[Krystal Failey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC, through Net Galley, in exchange for my honest review.

This book a AMAZING! It is informative, thought provoking and a great conversation starter. The illustrations are BEAUTIFUL!

The timeline at the end is helpful in assisting the children with relating what happened then with what has happened in more recent times, because Chisholm's mission is truly still not over or done!

I highly recommend this book as it supports the mission that Black lives matter, women's rights matter and all people should be treated equally and with respect! The text are written in a way a child in second grade and up will truly understand the gravity of what occurred on their own, But children younger will and can benefit too. The vocabulary used isn't difficult for children of all ages to understand and you can absolutely guide them in understanding what the true issues were.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great picture book biography of an inspirational and trailblazing politician.

[Oscie Fryer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exceptional. Young readers will be able to learn about a trailblazer who accomplished a lot of firsts in her fight for change. Kudos toTameka Fryer Brown , Author and Nina Crews, Illustrator on this tremendous work of art‼️

[Dawn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Done Yet Shirley Chisholm’s Fight for Change by Tameka Fryer Brown

32 Pages
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group, Millbrook Press
Release Date: November 1, 2022

Nonfiction, Children’s Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir

Shirley Chisholm was an important woman in American politics. She loved her country so much she wanted to make it the best it could be. As the first Black woman elected to Congress, she was also the first woman to run for president.

This is an excellent book to introduce children to Shirley. It is written in a cute but interesting style. The illustrations are well done and a perfect addition to the narrative. If you have school age children, they should all learn about Shirley and her brave fight for the good of others.

[Kirstie Myvett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Done Yet is a beautifully written biography about THE amazing Shirley Chisholm. Tameka Fryer Brown opens with pivotal moments from Shirley’s childhood that shaped her into the caring leader she would become. We learn of Shirley’s drive and perseverance to do good and make a difference on each page. Nina Crews’ illustrations depict colorful real-life renderings that bring Tameka’s words to life. This story will inspire young readers who are also “not done yet” on their own path of discovery and greatness.

[Valerie Bolling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tameka Fryer Brown’s writing is just as beautiful and lyrical in this picture book biography as it is in her works of fiction. The refrain of “not done yet” echoes throughout the book, tying together each of Ms. Chisholm’s accomplishments and reminding readers that she’s a fighter who keeps striving for more. The story is engaging and shares important details about this amazing woman’s life. Extensive back matter adds even more to the story, including an author’s note about Tameka’s inspiration for the book.

[Jessica Schwent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Not Done Yet: Shirley Chisholm's Fight for Change through a blog I follow called The Brown Bookshelf. They posted on Instagram an interview they did with the author of the book. It was published in 2022 so it does not have any awards yet but is favorably reviewed by Kirkus saying it is, "As powerful as the woman it profiles." This biography is a narrative free verse poem about Shirley Chisholm, the first female to run for president. It takes us through her life up to and after her presidential campaign. She was born in New York City in 1924 but spent the first 6 years of her life on her grandmother's farm in Barbados. When she moved back, she did not like "the unfair way certain people were treated in America." She helped fight against this discrimination in many ways. She was a teacher, Brooklyn's first Black assemblywoman, the first Black woman ever elected to Congress, and the first Black person and woman to run for president. While she did not win, she paved the way for many powerful people today. I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this book because it is about someone I had never heard of before and I want to share her story. I also liked the message that is repeated throughout the book, that she was not done yet. This shows students that even when they achieve something great, they can still better the world around them. The collage style illustrations were also beautiful and very engaging.

I think this book is a great option to promote diversity because it is written about and by a Black woman. The illustrator, Nina Crews is also a Black woman who grew up in New York around the time Shirley was in office there. This makes the story and illustrations very intentional and authentic. While I read the ebook version on the Hoopla app, I was still able to appreciate the beautiful illustrations. I think the illustrator used collage to add depth, color, and texture. I really appreciated the illustrator's note when it said, "I wanted the reader to feel that they were in Chisholm's world, so I emphasized the patterns of her clothes by repeating those patterns in the backgrounds of the illustrations." Even though it was an ebook, I was still able to see the cover/endpages. Because the author had to paraphrase Shirley's statements, she included the full quotes and campaign memorabilia in the detailed endpages.

Not Done Yet is a 590 Lexile. This makes it suitable for students in K-4th grade. I would use this as a mentor text/read aloud during a biography writing unit. I think it is a great example to show students they can include important information and have nonfiction text features like timelines while still being a fun and engaging story. It would also be an interesting text to do one lesson about main idea/details (what we learn from the nonfiction text) while another one is about the poetic format and how that affects the tone/mood of the story. I am excited to share this great nonfiction text with students!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring picture book biography. The whole family enjoyed it.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good picture book of Shirley Chishom’s life. It tells the basic life facts and her accomplishments.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

what the heck?!!!

I'd read another book & it mentioned her. I had to read something about this woman who, in 1960, ran for president.

I didn't know it was a kids' book when I put it on hold at the library & I didn't care. this woman was AMAZING!!!

I HIGHLY recommend !

[Gabriele Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expressive art and lively text mirror Shirley Chisholm’s passionate character and bold vision in this beautifully crafted biography. Told with the lyricism we’ve come to expect from Tameka Fryer Brown, it charts Chisholm’s path from feisty child to trailblazing politician. When people tried to hold her back, she sprung forward. When they tried to make her seem small, her vision and her support grew larger. Chisholm’s legacy is vividly and lovingly captured in these pages. An important and inspiring book for all classroom collections.

[Christie Kaaland]

Shirley Chisholm as "a natural born fighter" who fought for fairness. She grew up on a farm rich in Barbados filled with color, sun, and family. But soon her family moved to Brooklyn where Shirley discovered the injustices toward Blacks. Her family encouraged her, and Shirley grew up to become first a teacher and later got involved in a Brooklyn club in which women worked hard to raise money yet men were the ones with access to the funds. "This isn't right!"
Eventually her fight for fairness led her to run for office in NY. She became Brooklyn's first black assemblywoman and eventually ran for congress, fighting for children and health care, and eventually running for President of the United States, and while she didn't win, her message became a stalwart for all who witnessed it, and made a better nation.

[Camille Dayton Fostering.literacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Done Yet is a fascinating biography about a woman I knew nothing about. Set in free verse, Brown tells of Shirley Chisholm’s path to running for the New York State Legislature, Congress, and eventually for President. She was the first woman elected to the United States Congress and promised to fight for her constituents. The illustrations are vibrant and show Shirley’s courage she had to break barriers for her gender. I didn’t sense any political leanings until the last few pages of the book, where only democrat politicians are featured. Surely we can see good in elected officials from both sides of the aisle. For that purpose I am reducing a star.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book biography introduces readers to Fighting Shirley Chisolm, a catalyst for change. While she didn't want to be remembered for the firsts she accomplished, she completed many. This would be a great introduction for early elementary about a Black woman who didn't stop. She didn't stop at the New York's State Assembly or Congress. She kept pushing for change and didn't let anything (unbought) or anyone (unbossed) stop her. I wish the quotes throughout the text were direct quotes rather than ones edited to fit the free verse better, but it makes for a powerful reading. (Add my usual gripe about not including at least one photograph of the person in the back matter.)

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shirley Chisholm was always a fighter. When she saw people treated unfairly, she wanted to do something about it. She became a teacher, joined a political club, and began to run for office, she was Brooklyn's first Black assemblywoman, and the first Black woman elected to Congress. She even ran for President of the United States.

I love Shirley Chisholm, and am excited to see another picture book biography about her. The illustrations are nice - I especially love the backgrounds - some with historical figures, others with period posters or other views of the 60's. There's a lot of back matter, including a timeline, bibliography and resources.

[Lellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Done Yet is a beautiful children's picture book about Shirley Chisolm, whose name doesn't pop up enough in history books. Shirley was a town rep in New York City who then became the first black woman in Congress in the 1960s. I can't even imagine what all she went through as a Congresswoman. She was also the first Black woman ever to run for US president. She was a pioneer woman and this book showcases her fighting spirit and story with lovely illustrations. Perfect for classrooms!

Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Kirsten - Children's Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shirley Chisholm paved the way for future generations of women and people of colour in politics by becoming the first woman to run for President of the United States. But her legacy extends far beyond her impact on the political landscape. An activist for her constituents, gender equality, and fairness, her courageous determination to never give up was an inspiration for all.
Read 'Not Done Yet' to explore and discuss Shirley's impact on black history, themes of equality, respect, perseverance, making a difference, fairness, discrimination, gender roles, and never giving up.

[Andrew Dittmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like other Shirley Chisholm picture book biographies, this has a bit of hagiographic gloss that frustrates me. (The real Shirley Chisholm was no less fascinating, but was far more complex. One has to dig to realize that progressives actually viewed Chisholm as a sellout for the latter half of her congressional career, for example.)

Of course, that's asking a lot of a children's picture book.

This is my second Tameka Fryer Brown book in just a few weeks. I was unfamiliar with her work, but I'm rapidly becoming a big fan. Looking forward to whatever she produces next!

[Abbi Steen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty easy read, the pictures really depict the entire story and go very well with the words you're reading. I love the idea of including women of color, and the idea of women in congress in your classroom to encourage inclusion to your students.

[KV LeSuer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to teach children who know a tiny bit about government, about an incredible woman who made a difference for those who are marginalized. Told simply, plainly, directly and without apology.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent picture book introduction to Shirley Chisholm's work as an activist and politician and her lasting legacy. The illustration style was not my favorite, but that's more of a personal thing I think. Digital illustrations often feel a little stiff to me for some reason.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great back matter. I wish some of the key years were included in the main text itself. As a read aloud, some context would be missed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written and illustrated picture book biography about a remarkable woman who broke many barriers.
Tie in with Black history month, women's history month, biography units.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful and inspiring, a joy to look at as well as read. I learned something and so will you! We need more people with Shirley's convictions and fighting spirit in positions of power today.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed learning about Shirley Chisholm. I really knew nothing about Shirley Chisholm and her life. Beautifully written. Beautifully illustrated. Thank you.

[Carol Gordon Ekster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and great illustrations. This is a wonderful picture book biography to share in elementary classrooms.