
Reach for this book when your child feels like their interests do not fit into a single box or when they are navigating the sting of being told they do not belong. It is an ideal choice for children who are beginning to ask questions about heritage, leadership, and how to stay true to themselves while pursuing big goals. The story follows Sharice Davids from a talkative kid and martial artist to one of the first Native American women in Congress, emphasizing that being different is a superpower rather than a setback. Parents will appreciate how it balances the weight of historical representation with the joy of personal discovery. It serves as both a mirror for Indigenous children and a window for others to understand the importance of diverse voices in leadership. Through the lens of Sharice's journey, the book models how to handle doubters with grace and how to use one's unique background as a foundation for service.
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Sign in to write a reviewIncludes brief historical context about the Ho-Chunk Nation and government relations.
The book addresses discrimination and identity directly but in an age-appropriate, secular manner. It mentions doubters who questioned Sharice based on her appearance and who she loved (LGBTQ+ identity), though the latter is handled with brief, affirming language. The resolution is triumphant and hopeful.
An elementary student who feels like a 'misfit' because they have many disparate interests (like sports and talking) or a child from a marginalized background who needs to see that leadership roles are accessible to them.
The book is safe to read cold, though parents might want to be ready to briefly define what 'Congress' is for younger kids. There is a helpful author's note and information about the Ho-Chunk Nation at the back for further context. A child coming home and saying, 'People say I can't do that because I'm a girl/Native/different,' or a child feeling discouraged by their own high energy or 'loudness' in a school setting.
4 to 6-year-olds will focus on the martial arts and the vibrant illustrations of Sharice's active life. 7 to 9-year-olds will better grasp the political significance and the resilience required to face social discrimination.
Unlike many biographies that focus on historical figures from the past, this is a contemporary story about a living trailblazer, blending the grit of professional fighting (MMA) with the sophistication of law and government.
The book follows Sharice Davids, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, through various stages of her life: her childhood as a high-energy kid, her time in martial arts, her law school journey, and eventually her historic run for Congress. It highlights her relationship with her single mother and her connection to her Ho-Chunk heritage.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.