A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth (Hardcover)
Senator Tammy Duckworth has logged a long list of “firsts” during her tenure as the first Thai American woman elected to Congress, including being the first woman with a disability to serve in the House and Senate. But while she dreamed of serving her country from a young age, Tammy’s path was not without its challenges. In this dramatic account, award-winning creators Christina Soontornvat and Dow Phumiruk chronicle Tammy’s journey. From her childhood fight to keep her family from homelessness, to her service in the US Army, to her recovery from grievous injuries sustained in the line of duty, Tammy never lost her determination to keep going against staggering odds.
Evoking Tammy Duckworth’s spirited nature with sensitivity and joy, this uplifting account of a groundbreaking military veteran and rising political star will inspire readers to dream and achieve. Includes a time line and suggestions for further reading.
Dow Phumiruk is an award-winning illustrator of several picture books, including Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker and Maya Lin by Jeanne Walker Harvey. Originally from Thailand, Dow Phumiruk lives in Colorado.
—Booklist
A Thai American creative team collaborates on this biography of Senator Tammy Duckworth, which emphasizes the duality of military service and public service. . . . Soontornvat’s prose and Phumiruk’s scenes of war, rehabilitation, and public service balance bravery with personal sacrifice. Back matter includes a timeline.
—Publishers Weekly
Powerful details about Duckworth’s childhood and her experiences in the National Guard impart a sense of the senator’s resilient spirit; the book concludes on a hope-filled call to action of more work to be done. . . worthwhile and empowering.
—School Library Journal
A comprehensive look at an extraordinary life and continuing legacy.
—Kirkus Reviews
[Christina Soontornvat] knows how to write a gripping tale. . . one of the more exciting bios I’ve seen in a long time.
—A Fuse #8 Production