Shirley Chisholm Is A Verb, written by Veronica Chambers and illustrated by Rachelle Baker

 


"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room on earth." –Shirley Chisholm


Description from the publisher:

"A timely picture book biography about Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, who sought the Democratic nomination to be the president of the United States.

Shirley Chisholm famously said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” This dynamic biography illuminates how Chisholm was a doer, an active and vocal participant in our nation’s democracy, and a force to be reckoned with. Now young readers will learn about her early years, her time in Congress, her presidential bid and how her actions left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire, uplift, and instruct."

Text Features: 

  • Narrative nonfiction (biography) picture book.
  • Key verbs are highlighted in different font/colors.
Critical Literacy Suggestions:

Read & Discuss: 

  • Before reading, discuss the book's title. Ask students what they think the book will be about and why the author might have chosen that title. NEXT, read the blurb and see if students have any new predictions. 
  • As you read, use the text to help students build their knowledge of the focus verbs on each page. 
  • What do you it was like for Shirley to be the first Black woman in Congress? What challenges and opportunities might this have presented? (racism, sexism/patriarchy)
  • Shirley campaigned in Spanish and English. Why did she do this? 
  • What do you think the author meant by the sentence: "Shirley's verbs, her words, and her actions PLANTED seeds of possibility for others."
  • Shirley was the first woman of any color to run for President. The book includes a quote from Shirley saying: "The next time a woman of whatever color, or a dark-skinned person of whatever sex aspires to be president, the way should be a little smoother because I helped PAVE it." What did she mean?
Write & Act: 
  • Choose one of the verbs highlighted in the book that you think most helped Shirley accomplish all that she did. Write your opinion about why this verb was so important in Shirley's life. 
  • The book ends with the words: "It's your turn now. What verbs will you choose?" Make a list of all the verbs you want live!

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