In light of the historic nomination of Kamala Harris as Democratic v-p candidate—she is the first woman of color and first person of South Asian descent to appear on a major U.S. presidential ticket—we’ve rounded up a selection of new and recent children’s titles by and about Harris to check out.

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice

by Nikki Grimes, illus. by Laura Freeman (Atheneum, Aug. 25, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-5344-6267-0)

When Harris was young, she often accompanied her parents to civil rights marches. As she grew from a small girl in Oakland, Calif., this long-fostered belief in freedom and justice for all people helped shaped her into the figure she is today. Told in verse, this picture book biography shows young people that the American dream can belong to everyone.


Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea

by Meena Harris, illus. by Ana Ramírez González (HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, June 2 $ 18.99, ISBN 978-0-06-293740-7)

Meena Harris’s picture book debut is inspired by a true story from the childhood of her aunt, Senator Kamala Harris, and her mother, lawyer and policy expert Maya Harris. Sisters Kamala and Maya have the big idea to turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground, fostering the coming together of a community.


Groundbreaking Women in Politics: Kamala Harris

by Kelsey Jopp (North Star/Focus Readers, Jan. 1, 2020, paper $9.95, ISBN 978-1-64493-167-7)

Introduces readers to Harris's political career and impact on current issues with concise text, discussion questions, and photos.


The Truths We Hold: An American Journey (Young Readers Edition)

by Kamala Harris (Philomel, May 7, 2019, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-984837-06-6)

Adapted for young readers, Senator Harris’s memoir is about the values and inspirations that guided her life. The book explores the impact her family and community had on her own self-discovery and purpose while on her path to the Senate.


Superheroes Are Everywhere

by Kamala Harris, illus. by Mechal Renee Roe (Philomel, Jan. 8, 2019, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-984837-49-3)

Before Harris became a district attorney and a senator, she was a girl who loved superheroes. Then she realized that superheroes are everywhere—from her family and friends to her neighbors down the street. In this picture book, Harris takes readers through her life, showing that the power to make the world a better place is inside all of us.

For more 2020 political books for young readers, click here and here.