Mama in Congress: Rashida Tlaib's Journey to Washington

An inspiring picture book that tells the story of Rashida Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, and her family. Perfect for readers of books that celebrate trailblazing women and social activists as well as those looking for an introduction to civic engagement and how government works.

"Hey Adam, is the president Mom's boss now?"

When Yousif Tlaib asks about his mom's new job in Congress, his older brother, Adam, fills him in—with some help from Rashida Tlaib herself. As he tells his mom’s story, Adam reveals information about how elections and our government work, what it means to break barriers, what motivates their mama to work for justice for all, and how love and family have guided them through this historic time in our country.

From growing up in Detroit—the eldest of fourteen siblings and the first in her immigrant family to graduate from high school—through her journey into community activism and then local politics, to eventually becoming one of the first Muslim Congresswomen and an influential national figure, Rashida Tlaib's inspiring story shows kids that they, too, can do great things and make a difference.

* Arab American Book Award Honoree * American Library Association Rise! Feminist Book Project List Selection *

Rashida Tlaib is an American politician and lawyer, a well-known progressive and member of “the Squad,” and, in her own words, “a mother working for justice for all.” Her two young sons are at the root of her unwavering passion to help change lives for the better. She is the oldest of 14 children, born and raised in Detroit, the proud daughter of Palestinian immigrant parents. Rashida made history in 2008 by becoming the first Muslim woman to ever serve in the Michigan Legislature and is currently the U.S. Representative for Michigan's 13th congressional district. Twitter: @RashidaTlaib
Instagram: @rashidatlaib

Miranda Paul is an award-winning children’s author of more than twenty books for children. Several of her books have been named Junior Library Guild selections and CCBC Choices selections. Her acclaimed work includes One Plastic Bag, Water Is Water, Whose Hands Are These?; Nine Months, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Jason Chin; Little Libraries, Big Heroes; Thanku: Poems of Gratitude; and Speak Up.

Some of her most notable titles with international acclaim have stemmed from collaborating with activist icons—Isatou Ceesay, Farmer Tantoh Nforba, and Rashida Tlaib. She is an annual faculty member at the Highlights Foundation and a co-founding member of the nonprofit organization We Need Diverse Books. She currently serves on the board of Americans Serving African Children (ASAC). Learn more at www.mirandapaul.com.

Adam Tlaib is a teenager best known for his viral moment when he and his younger brother, Yousif, dabbed on the House floor.

Olivia Aserr is the illustrator of How to Make a Friend by Stephen W. Martin, Astronaut Training by Aneta Cruz, and more. She graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and lives in Los Angeles. You can learn more about her at www.oliviaaserr.com. Twitter: @oliviaaserr Instagram: @oliviaaserrillustration