Door by door How Sarah McBride became America's first openly transgender senator

When she was little, future Delaware state senator Sarah McBride knew two things for certain. First, she was determined to become a changemaker. Second, she knew she was a girl, even though the way her body looked made everyone treat her like a boy. She'd cry herself to sleep hoping she'd wake up as a girl, but that never happened. Teenage Sarah was still afraid to tell anyone, so she dedicated herself to state political activism. In college she campaigned for student body president, promising a safer, more welcoming campus. She visited thousands of dorm rooms, door by door--and won. Sarah also decided it was time to reveal her true self, and, despite being terrified, shared her secret. Loving messages of support poured in, and Sarah went on to become the first openly transgender person to work at the White House, deliver a convention speech, and be elected to state office. This picture-book biography tells Sarah's story in respectful, accessible language that kids will understand. The rich back matter includes a political glossary plus advice on how cis people can support the trans community. This is a special book that will mean a lot to its audience.

From a very young age, Sarah McBride (b. 1990) knew both that "she wanted to change the world" and "who she was inside." Interested in U.S. presidents early on, she soon got involved in state government as a youth volunteer, and later ran for--and became--her college's student body president. Along the way, "she didn't understand why her body didn't match her brain and heart," but after beginning to better comprehend her experience, and seeing other trans people coming out, she eventually did so herself: "I am transgender. I am a woman. I am Sarah." Starting with her Delaware childhood and moving through her election as the first openly transgender state senator, this light biography by Pincus plots out key parallels in McBride's formative years, centering a real-life figure both following her heart and "opening the doors of opportunity for all." McKean Gimbel's muted color palette of pinks, greens, and purples tends toward portraiture; background figures are portrayed with varying skin tones. Back matter includes a note from Sarah McBride and an author's note. Ages 4--8. (May)

Gr 2--5--This heartwarming biography begins with McBride's childhood and goes through her win as state senator. The book's framework is to pivot during key moments of her life between her two truths, which Pincus makes clear from the first page: McBride's love of politics and her realization that she, assigned male at birth, was a girl. With roughly 30 words per page, the story is easily a read-aloud for classes and Gimbel's illustrations show her pathway into politics and inner struggle to come out as transgender. The full-color illustrations are at times whimsical (McBride received a podium for Christmas as a child to practice speeches) and during darker moments of the story are sparse emotional snapshots (such as the image of McBride crying in her sleep as a college student). Additionally, the images show racial diversity in the schools she attended, at her university, and in her political forays, and diverse ability, with a child in a wheelchair watching election results. The book has a short author's note, a brief note from McBride, a glossary of political terms, an explanation on how to be an ally to transgender people, and a bibliography. VERDICT This is a recommended purchase for libraries.--Vi Ha

Pincus chronicles Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride's childhood and coming out. McBride always knew that she wanted to be a politician, but it took time to learn that she could do that and be herself--a transgender woman. Following her through her childhood and college years, when she came out, the book emphasizes her commitment to helping others. It narratively connects her to her political role models, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Informative and absorbing, this is an enjoyable and uplifting read, though it lacks a strong unifying structure. Most of the narrative is devoted to McBride's coming out; her 2020 election win is covered quickly at the end and does not feel like a strong payoff. Doors are a theme throughout: Telling others that she is transgender initially feels like something best left behind a closed door, and later, McBride works to open "the doors of opportunity" for others. It's a meaningful metaphor, though one that might go over younger readers' heads. However, Pincus tells McBride's story effectively and explains trans identity in an understandable and empathetic way, enhanced by pleasant, straightforward illustrations. She describes McBride's childhood without ever using the wrong pronouns or her birth name. McBride is White; other characters are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A heartfelt biography that will encourage readers to live their truths. (author's note, note from McBride, guide to being a trans ally, glossary, bibliography) (Picture-book biography. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.