Soontornvat, Christina. Life of Service, A: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth. Dow Phumiruk, Illus. Candlewick, 09/2022. [48]pp. Biography. GRADES 2 – 5. HIGH ADDITIONAL. Trade $18.99. 978-1-5362-2205-0.
This picture book biography celebrates Tammy Duckworth, the first Thai American in the U.S. Congress who is also a disabled veteran. The text is too long for a classroom readaloud but works well for Women’s History Month, Veteran’s Day, and Asian American Month book displays, as well as brief reports. The text describes her life chronologically, from her childhood in Asia with her American father and Thai mother, their move to Hawaii, her military service, and her run for Congress and the Senate. The serviceable pencil-and-digital collage illustrations are a little stiff but support the text. The book ends with a timeline and list of Duckworth’s legislative priorities: supporting disabled veterans, families with young children, refugees, and the environment.
Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool