Door by Door: How Sarah McBride Became the First Openly Transgender Senator by Meeg Pincus, illustrated by Meredith McDean Gimbel. Random House/Crown Books, 2023. 9780593484654
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Hardcover picture book
Genre: Biography
What did you like about the book? Sarah McBride knew from the time she was very little that she wanted to work in the White House. She also knew that although she was born a boy, being a boy was not who she was. Meeg Pincus follows the life of the now Senator as she pursues her dreams of becoming a politician. She asks for, and receives, a podium for a gift; she works for her favorite senator and helps get him elected (Joe Biden); she memorizes the speech of another favorite senator and then goes to work in the White House when he gets elected (Barack Obama). As she works toward becoming a politician she figures out that she needs to be true to herself and transition from being a boy to a girl. As her final act as the president of her college class, she sends an email proclaiming her true self. This is a fantastic, interesting and fun-to-read modern story of a woman who is currently serving in the United States Senate. End notes include a letter from Sarah McBride, a letter from the author, an update on what Sarah is doing today, some clear advice to cis people on how to be a trans ally and definitions and explanations of political terms.
Anything you didn’t like about it? I really liked it.
To whom would you recommend this book? Anyone and everyone
Who should buy this book? Anyone and everyone
Where would you shelve it? Biography
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes. Not only is it a great story but it’s packed with useful information.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State:
Pam Watts is the Head of Children’s Services at the Robbins Library, Arlington, MA
Date of review: April 27, 2023
Youth Services Book Review 
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