In Good Hands

February 1, 2020

Gr 9 Up-Young women interested in politics may be overwhelmed by the challenges of campaigning and sexist expectations and pressures. MacKendrick successfully reassures readers that it is possible for women to excel in politics, and that they have significant and unique voices that should be heard. Split into three parts, the book's first and largest section shares brief biographies of 19 female politicians. All of the women share commonalities: they battled significant obstacles on the path that led them to political leadership. From British Columbia's Michelle Stilwell who was paralyzed from an accident and went on to become an Olympic star and politician, to Malawi's Juliana Lunguzi who dealt with institutional corruption, all of the profiles highlight persistence and strength. Additionally, the women portray different points on the political spectrum. The book's biggest strength is its honest and empowering depiction of the very real adversities women in politics face. The text makes it clear that feelings like self-doubt are not weaknesses. VERDICT This volume, providing inspiration and practical advice, is a good resource for any young woman looking to run for office.-Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2020
It's never too early for girls and women to get involved in politics--and this book was designed to show them exactly how. When former journalist and debut author MacKendrick asked former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright about the biggest challenge she's ever faced, she was shocked at the accomplished woman's answer: self-doubt. MacKendrick realized the need for a resource to encourage young women interested in politics. The book begins with a series of profiles including those of Canadian politician Michelle Stilwell, who is quadriplegic; bisexual Arizona senator Kyrsten Sinema, the only member of Congress who is openly nonreligious; Taiwanese American Boston city councilwoman Michelle Wu; and Jordan's Palestinian Muslim minister for social development Hala Lattouf. The profiles, which feature women from Malawi, Israel, Afghanistan, and New Zealand, not only chronicle the women's decisions to run for office, but also the obstacles they faced along the way. The final third of the book provides a comprehensive guide to running for office, with information about goal setting, building a support system, volunteering, networking, building a campaign platform, and finances; there is an extensive list of resources. MacKendrick's text is blunt and practical without ever feeling unkind; her matter-of-fact tone is motivating while insisting on self-reflection. Overall the book is useful and encouraging, making it an ideal read for girls with political ambitions. A comprehensive guide for young women interested in running for public office. (Nonfiction. 13-18)

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February 1, 2020
Grades 9-12 For Michelle Stilwell, it was resilience despite being quadriplegic that led her to become a member of Canada's British Columbia Legislative Assembly. And while Kyrsten Sinema overcame homelessness to become an Arizona senator, Juliana Lunguzi found a personal champion to help her become a member of Malawi's Parliament. In this nonpartisan and inclusive guide, these women and 16 others from around the world are not simply profiled as female politicians but as role models for today's young women considering running for public office. The profiles track their influences and career paths in storylike vignettes and offer wisdom and words of advice from each woman. The author doesn't stop there but continues with a Playbook to assist budding politicians in setting goals, building confidence, finding mentors, gaining experience by volunteering in campaigns, and structuring a message. An additional 12-step campaign-plan workbook breaks down running for office into specific, manageable tasks. A final section lists print and online resources about campaign essentials targeted to women. An inspirational toolbox to equip and empower future leaders.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)