Shirley Chisholm was familiar only in name for me. What a pleasure it was to read the life story of this remarkable lady who blazed new paths and understandings to those less fortunate. Her bold way of speaking led to many friends and enemies as she eventually became the first African-American women to be elected to Congress in 1968. She stood tall in her position for seven terms.

This engaging biography takes readers through 19 chapters as it explores her beginnings and ends at the effect she still has in the present (including words from Vice President Kamala Harris who proclaimed before the inauguration: “Shirley Chisholm created a path for me and so many others.”).

A map of Brooklyn precedes the chapters and pinpoints locations that impacted Chisholm’s personal and professional life. Six pages of photographs are also included as a subsection in Chapter 15, which allow a better understanding after learning about her life.

The narrative flows and is well-researched. SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT—THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF “FIGHTING SHIRLEY CHISHOLM” would be best suited for grades 6 and up. A great addition to any school or home library.

To see all of the books Tanya Bolden has penned over the years visit Tanya Bolden Books.

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.