• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3

This acclaimed picture book autobiography tells the triumphant story of Sharice Davids, one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ congressperson to represent Kansas.

When Sharice Davids was young, she never thought she’d be in Congress. And she never thought she’d be one of the first Native American women in Congress. During her campaign, she heard from a lot of doubters. They said she couldn’t win because of how she looked, who she loved, and where she came from.

But everyone’s path looks different and everyone’s path has obstacles. And this is the remarkable story of Sharice Davids’ path to Congress.

Beautifully illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, an Ojibwe Woodland artist, this powerful autobiographical picture book teaches readers to use their big voice and that everyone deserves to be seen—and heard!

The back matter includes information about the Ho-Chunk written by former Ho-Chunk President Jon Greendeer, an artist note, and an inspiring letter to children from Sharice Davids.

"Rich, vivid illustrations by Ojibwe Woodland artist Pawis-Steckley are delivered in a graphic style that honors Indigenous people. The bold artwork adds impact to the compelling text." (Kirkus starred review)

"The prose is reminiscent of an inspirational speech (“Everyone’s path looks different”), with a message of service that includes fun biographical facts, such as her love of Bruce Lee. Pawis-Steckley (who is Ojibwe Woodland) contributes boldly lined and colored digital illustrations, inflected with Native symbols and bold colors. A hopeful and accessible picture book profile." (Publishers Weekly)

"Affecting picture-book autobiography." (The Horn Book)

Acclaim includes:

• A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2022 - Outstanding Merit in biography and memoir
• On Here Wee Read's 2021 Ultimate List of Diverse Children's Books
• 2022 ALSC Notable Children’s Books in the middle readers category
• 2022 Booklist from Rise: A Feminist Book Project—Early Readers Nonfiction
• Nominee for 2022 Reading the West book award
• Selected as CCBC Choices 2022—biography, autobiography and memoir

Sharice Davids was inspired to public service by her single mom, an army drill sergeant. Raised on military bases, Sharice worked her way through Johnson County Community College in Kansas City, before eventually earning a law degree from Cornell Law School. As a first-generation college student who had to work for everything including martial arts lessons, Representative Davids is focused on increasing opportunity by supporting public education and affordable healthcare. Davids was a White House Fellow under President Barack Obama. When she was sworn into the 116th Congress, Representative Davids became one of the first two Native American women to serve in Congress. She is a resident of Roeland Park, Kansas.

Sharice Davids' profile page

JOSHUA MANGESHIG PAWIS-STECKLEY est un artiste ojibwé des bois et un membre de la Première Nation de Wasauksing. Son art vise à récupérer et à promouvoir les histoires et les enseignements traditionnels ojibwés dans un style forestier contemporain. Il a organisé plusieurs expositions individuelles sur l’Île de la Tortue. Joshua a entre autres illustré l’album primé Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / La Terre me parle : Un livre sur les saisons de Brittany Luby. Il vit à la fois à Vancouver et dans la Première Nation de Wasauksing.

JOSHUA MANGESHIG PAWIS-STECKLEY is an Ojibwe woodland artist and a member of Wasauksing First Nation. His art aims to reclaim and promote traditional Ojibwe stories and teachings in a contemporary woodland style. He has held several solo art exhibitions across Turtle Island. Joshua has illustrated the award-winning picture book Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / La Terre me parle : Un livre sur les saisons by Brittany Luby, among others. He spends his time living both in Vancouver and Wasauksing First Nation.

Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley's profile page

Nancy K. Mays has published short stories in Ploughshares, the Colorado Review, Mid-American Review, and other publications. Nancy is an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Kansas. She is a resident of Mission Woods, Kansas.

Nancy K. Mays' profile page

• ALA Notable Children’s Book

Demonstrates that everyone’s voice matters and needs to be heard. Powerful stuff! — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"The prose is reminiscent of an inspirational speech (“Everyone’s path looks different”), with a message of service that includes fun biographical facts, such as her love of Bruce Lee. Pawis-Steckley (who is Ojibwe Woodland) contributes boldly lined and colored digital illustrations, inflected with Native symbols and bold colors. A hopeful and accessible picture book profile." — Publishers Weekly

"... a welcome addition to picture-book biography shelves." — Booklist

"affecting picture-book autobiography" — The Horn Book