Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib’s Journey to Washington

Two boys accompany their mother to work in Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Building in this familial account of Palestinian American congressperson Rashida Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Inside the Rotunda, Tlaib and Paul’s coauthor Adam Tlaib, here portrayed as a child, explains, “Mama’s story of opening doors started long before she was elected to Congress.” He describes her childhood in southwest Detroit, where her family encounters racism and experiences financial instability. “The first in her family to graduate from high school, college and law school,” Tlaib deepens her understanding of Islam, pursues public service, and gives birth to—then campaigns with—her sons. Aserr’s contemporary illustrations emphasize juxtapositions, rendering the U.S. Capitol sun-soaked, and Detroit factories dark under sooty skies in this intimately voiced narrative. Back matter includes a glossary and description of government branches. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)