Kamala Raised Her Hand

Mirchandani and Kelkar (My Diwali Light) reunite in this cursory biography of Kamala Harris (b. 1964), the first “Black, South Asian woman to run for president and the first to be vice president.” Opening with the idea that “raising your hand is brave. Raising your hand is service. Raising your hand is showing... that your voice is power,” the creators highlight key episodes, from childhood onward, in which Harris raised hers. Tracing the figure’s political awakening and career milestones, brief, anecdotal lines recount how Harris raised her hand when standing up to a friend’s bully in kindergarten, protesting myriad issues as a Howard University student, and working “so all people could get married” as a lawyer in the California district attorney’s office. Without delving much into biographical detail, the quick-moving text neatly wraps up with a nod to present-day events: “When America needed a president—and Americans needed hope—Kamala did what she does best. She raised her hand.” Incorporating images of the lotus flower that hint at the meaning of Kamala, mixed-media collages lean on a palette of red, white, and blue in re-creating familiar images of the figure throughout this talking-points-esque overview. Creators’ notes conclude. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)