Phenomenal AOC: The Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

by Anika Aldamuy Denise, Loris Lora (Illustrator)

Overview

A 2023 Pura Belpré Honor Book (Illustrations)

An inspiring biography of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from Pura Belpré Honor–winning creators Anika Aldamuy Denise and Loris Lora!

In 2019, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez became the youngest congresswoman in America. How did this young Puertorriqueña become an unstoppable force in politics? Find out in this accessible and engaging book for young readers.

AOC’s remarkable story begins in her childhood Bronx home and comes full circle the moment AOC became America's youngest congresswoman. Ocasio-Cortez’s empowering journey reminds us that everyone, regardless of their age, race, creed, wealth, or zip code, is capable of being a voice for change.

A glossary and resources for changemakers are included at the end of the book. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063113749
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/06/2022
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	415,985
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Anika Aldamuy Denise is the Pura Belpré Honor–winning author of Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré; A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!; and The Love Letter. A proud Puerto Rican daughter from Queens, she now lives in Rhode Island with her family. Visit Anika online at anikadenise.com.

Loris Lora is a multidisciplinary artist who has worked in editorial publishing, book publishing, toy design, and surface design and has been featured in galleries across the globe. Her books for children include May Your Life Be Deliciosa, The Story of Barack Obama, One Day So Many Ways, and more. Loris lives in Los Angeles, and you can visit her online at lorislora.com.

Editorial Reviews

10/10/2022

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.)

Publishers Weekly

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. — Booklist (starred review)

Pure Moxie. — Kirkus Reviews

In the spirit of the figure, 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. — Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

2022-08-17
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)

Kirkus Reviews