A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
Thai American creators portray the inspirational and barrier-breaking life of Senator Tammy Duckworth in a picture-book tribute to an extraordinary woman. Given Tammy Duckworth’s personal heroism as an Army veteran, her stunning recovery from injuries sustained in the line of duty, and her subsequent career as an influential US senator, it’s easy to see why Joe Biden earmarked her as a possible running mate during his Democratic presidential campaign. Senator Duckworth has logged a long list of firsts during her tenure as the first Thai American member of Congress, including being the first woman with a disability to serve in the House and Senate. But it is her tireless determination to keep going against staggering odds that will rivet readers of all ages. Christina Soontornvat’s narrative biography of this groundbreaking military veteran and rising political star will inspire readers to dream and achieve. Evoking Senator Duckworth’s spirited nature with sensitivity and joy, this dramatic account of a life lived in the service of others includes a time line and suggestions for further reading.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A Thai American creative team collaborates on this biography of Senator Tammy Duckworth, which emphasizes the duality of military service and public service. Born in Bankok, Duckworth "is an American citizen who grew up traveling all over Southeast Asia." Her father's job working for the United Nations meant that "the family was never far from the echoes of war," and visiting refugee camps with her dad, she envisioned "serving America by helping those in need." Job loss took the family to Hawaii, where they experienced financial precarity, but teenage Duckworth "was determined to soar at school" while helping to keep her family fed. After college and graduate school, her military service as a Black Hawk pilot ended when her helicopter was shot down in Iraq. Recovery from significant injuries pivoted her to politics representing Illinois, first in the House then in the Senate. Soontornvat's prose and Phumiruk's scenes of war, rehabilitation, and public service balance bravery with personal sacrifice. Back matter includes a timeline. Ages 5–9.
