Phenomenal AOC The roots and rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (frequently called AOC by the media) is the youngest woman ever to serve in Congress. Fittingly, this picture-book biography is especially energetic and vibrant. The action begins with AOC's birth in the Bronx, where her family was happy and felt like they fit right in. However, when they moved to the suburbs, AOC's teachers discriminated against her, so she became determined to do her best just to prove them wrong. Academic honors followed, and after grad school, she moved back to the Bronx "to help and to heal." She tended bar during the day; at night, she worked as an activist for equality, ran for office as a "Brand New Congress" candidate, and won in a landslide. The upbeat text and vibrant illustrations depict a positive, youthful persona, and the book's message about the need for equal rights and services comes through loud and clear. The book includes this description of Ocasio-Cortez's swearing-in: "in a white suit, the color worn by suffragettes, gold hoops, a wink to her Bronx roots, and red lipstick, a nod to her Latinidad." The final pages offer a glossary, sources, and lots of inspirational advice for future changemakers.

Blazingly contemporary in style and voice, the creators' approach to the life of congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, begins by asking, "How did one Boricua smash expectations...?" The figure's biography is the answer: it begins "in the Boogie Down Bronx,/ home of hip-hop,/ el condado de la salsa," an energetic current tracing AOC's path to politics. In the spirit of the figure--who, per back matter, "tweeted a video of herself dancing outside her Congressional office" when a detractor tried to shame her--Denise writes with the fierce tonality as AOC's firebrand speeches. Likewise, Lora's bright, jam-packed digital illustrations maintain maximalist energy through slick, unlined scenes of obstacles met and achievements scored, making this a glam playbook for young politicos. Back matter includes takeaways and "language of the possible." Ages 4--8. (Sept.)

The sparkling biography of a young changemaker. Born into a working-class Puerto Rican American family in the Bronx, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC, became aware of economic disparities around her at a young age, starting when her family moved to suburban Yorktown Heights. In school, she worked to disprove those who didn't believe that "a brown girl from the BX" could achieve the highest grades in the class. Her passion for activism was kindled when she recognized the injustice of different neighborhoods having access to different resources. Reeling from the death of her father, she worked hard to graduate college with honors and went door to door campaigning for progressive candidates and supported climate justice efforts. Passionate, driven, and intelligent, AOC ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and, in 2018, beat the long-standing incumbent by a landslide, becoming the youngest congresswoman in America. Paired with bold illustrations that match AOC's vibrant personality, the text highlights the importance of challenging the establishment and advocating for change when systems aren't working. The clear voice and thoughtful inclusion of powerful quotes by Ocasio-Cortez create a compelling underdog story with a hopeful message. The election process is simplified for young readers but accurately charts AOCs path to Congress. Young activists will find inspiration in the details of AOC's life. A variety of ethnic backgrounds is represented in the illustrated characters. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Pure moxie. (inspiring lessons, glossary, sources) (Picture-book biography. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.