Mama in Congress

October 10, 2022
Two boys accompany their mother to work in Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Building in this familial account of Palestinian American congressperson Rashida Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Inside the Rotunda, Tlaib and Paul’s coauthor Adam Tlaib, here portrayed as a child, explains, “Mama’s story of opening doors started long before she was elected to Congress.” He describes her childhood in southwest Detroit, where her family encounters racism and experiences financial instability. “The first in her family to graduate from high school, college and law school,” Tlaib deepens her understanding of Islam, pursues public service, and gives birth to—then campaigns with—her sons. Aserr’s contemporary illustrations emphasize juxtapositions, rendering the U.S. Capitol sun-soaked, and Detroit factories dark under sooty skies in this intimately voiced narrative. Back matter includes a glossary and description of government branches. Ages 4–8.

September 15, 2022
Grades 2-4 Congresswoman Tlaib gets the biographic treatment in this fun, informative picture-book biography told from the point of view of her son Adam. Though the title is full of biographic details of "Mama"--growing up Muslim in Michigan in a family of 14; exploring debate and law--this book does not shy away from childlike fun either, featuring a laugh-out-loud illustration of Tlaib's two sons hitting the dab. This duality allows for conversations about Tlaib's own career and her support of progressive causes, as well as learning about government and elections through the eyes of a tween. The use of conversation bubbles will entice comics readers and help make this a livelier book than a typical congressional biography might be. The bright, cartoonish illustration style will attract younger readers, while the longer prose will hold older readers. This is a great addition to collections showcasing women diversifying Congress and a fun way to talk to kids about the ways anyone can make a change in the world if they set their heart to the task.

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August 12, 2022

Gr 1-4-Adam Tlaib tells the story of his mother Rashida's lifelong mission to help make people's lives better-as an activist, a lawyer, and an elected official (first in the Michigan House of Representatives, then in the U.S. House of Representatives). Her Palestinian heritage and Muslim religion are important parts of her identity; when Adam suggests it might be safer to hide, she replies that it's "important to be our authentic selves." The language is as kid-friendly as possible for the topic, and there's a helpful glossary, as well as a description of the three branches of government, using a tree analogy. The illustrations are lively and varied, showing the Tlaib family, the campaign trail, and the great round hall of the U.S. Capitol building filled with warm golden light (and a portrait of Shirley Chisholm). First-person narration from a kid's point of view makes the story relatable, and Rashida Tlaib's successes are inspiring. VERDICT A valuable addition to picture book biography collections.-Jenny Arch

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2022
A boy of Palestinian descent explains how (and why) his mom, Rashida Tlaib, went into politics. Using a deep-seated desire to help others as both theme and motivation, Adam describes how his mother, growing up in a polluted neighborhood of Detroit as the eldest of 14 siblings and experiencing both prejudice and poverty, went on to earn a law degree, to work for and then (after prayer and reflection) succeed a state representative, and, in time, to win election to the national House of Representatives--where, she explains, if the president should misbehave, she can vote to "give him a time out!" Other than that, she has little to say about her policies or projects. "Mama, why are you one of the first Muslim women in Congress?" asks Adam's younger brother, Yousif. Standing before an unlabeled but recognizable portrait of Shirley Chisholm in Aserr's bright, chipper rendition of the Capitol's foyer, Mama answers, "Sometimes it takes many to run for there to be a first"--a pointed, if potentially misleading (given that Chisholm wasn't Muslim), moment. There and in other settings ranging from smoky cityscapes to retro suburban scenes, the small figures of hurrying passersby or celebratory election workers that join the representative and her two children (dad, divorced, escapes mention) feature several people of color, including some wearing hijabs. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Light on specific detail but a welcome notice that our government is increasingly diversifying. (glossary) (Picture-book biography. 6-8)

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