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A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth

Author Christina Soontornvat
Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
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Hardcover
$18.99 US
Candlewick
9.94"W x 11.88"H x 0.41"D   | 19 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Sep 27, 2022 | 48 Pages | 9781536222050
Age 5-9 years | Grades K-4
Reading Level: Fountas & Pinnell S
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Thai American creators portray the inspirational and barrier-breaking life of Senator Tammy Duckworth in a picture-book tribute to an extraordinary woman.

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.
  • SELECTION | 2023
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • SELECTION | 2022
    Junior Library Guild Selection
Soontornvat’s prose is succinct yet clear and excels when she relates personal anecdotes. . . . Details of her 2004 helicopter accident and her painful recovery are also well handled. . . . . An excellent addition to the biography shelf and women’s history units.
—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
Christina Soontornvat is the acclaimed author of picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, and middle-grade fiction, including the Newbery Honor–winning fantasy A Wish in the Dark. Her narrative nonfiction title All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team received a Newbery Honor, a Robert F. Sibert Honor, and the Kirkus Prize, among other honors and awards. She lives in Austin, Texas.

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.
Christina Soontornvat View titles by Christina Soontornvat
Dow Phumiruk View titles by Dow Phumiruk

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About

Thai American creators portray the inspirational and barrier-breaking life of Senator Tammy Duckworth in a picture-book tribute to an extraordinary woman.

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.

Awards

  • SELECTION | 2023
    NCSS-CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies
  • SELECTION | 2022
    Junior Library Guild Selection

Praise

Soontornvat’s prose is succinct yet clear and excels when she relates personal anecdotes. . . . Details of her 2004 helicopter accident and her painful recovery are also well handled. . . . . An excellent addition to the biography shelf and women’s history units.
—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

Author

Christina Soontornvat is the acclaimed author of picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, and middle-grade fiction, including the Newbery Honor–winning fantasy A Wish in the Dark. Her narrative nonfiction title All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys’ Soccer Team received a Newbery Honor, a Robert F. Sibert Honor, and the Kirkus Prize, among other honors and awards. She lives in Austin, Texas.

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.
Christina Soontornvat View titles by Christina Soontornvat
Dow Phumiruk View titles by Dow Phumiruk

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