(3) K-3 Illustrated by Laura Freeman. Elijah Cummings's parents, who worked as sharecroppers in South Carolina, moved north to Baltimore to raise their children. "Although the Cummingses struggled to feed their family," the seven siblings were taught to value education, hard work, faith, and service. At eleven years old, the future congressman embarked upon his lifelong quest for justice when he helped to desegregate a city swimming pool. Each spread features a quotation from Cummings ("The librarians and books...helped me define myself as a human being"); the key point is expanded in a paragraph or two of text. Accompanied by strikingly vivid illustrations, this biography of the iconic social justice activist and political leader is sure to inspire readers of all ages. Statements by Nancy Pelosi and the Congressional Black Caucus are included. A timeline and bibliography are appended.

Reviewer: Monique Harris