The ABCS of AOC: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from A to Z

In Wilson’s introduction to this alphabetical paean, she explains that present-day politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (“AOC”), “may just be changing the rules of politics” for future leaders. The book succeeds mainly as a presentation of terms associated with civic engagement, among them democracy, feminist, and human rights. Several of the descriptions lack a clear connection to AOC’s biography (though back matter provides context)—such as, for immigration, “immigration is coming into a new country to live there permanently,” and for visionary, “a visionary is a creative thinker who imagines a different future.” Quiles’s dynamic portraits of AOC and diverse groups bold strokes that echo the congresswoman’s well-known flair and tenacity. Though adult AOC aficionados will likely be the most delighted by this book’s conceit, and activists within the stated age range are unlikely to appreciate an abecedarian, the message, about “plant[ing] the seeds of change” for the future, is a strong one. Ages 8–up. (Oct.)