The Faith of Elijah Cummings: The North Star of Equal Justice

Congressman and civil rights advocate Elijah Cummings dedicated his life to public service. This comprehensive and visually stunning biography details his humble beginnings and unwavering faith as he waged an endless battle for truth, justice, and equality.\nWe can do better.\nWhen Elijah Cummings was a little boy, he struggled in school. His teachers thought he talked too much and asked too many questions. They said he'd never be able to read or write well.\nDespite his difficulties, Elijah never gave up. He persevered, having faith that with hard work, he'd be able to achieve his goals.\nBest known as a voice for people of color and an advocate for equal opportunity, Elijah Cummings was a man of faith and dignity, a beacon of justice, and an unrelenting warrior for equality and change.\nCarole Boston Weatherford and Laura Freeman marry words and images beautifully in this picture book biography of politician and civil rights champion Elijah Cummings, detailing his inspiring journey--from his humble beginnings as the son of former sharecroppers to his unwavering faith as he became a lawyer, state legislator, and leading congressman. Best known as a voice for people of color and an advocate for equal opportunity, Elijah Cummings was a man of faith and dignity, a beacon of justice, and an unrelenting warrior for equality and change.\nFrom School Library Journal\nGr 2-4-Beginning with remarks from Nancy Pelosi, this picture book biography combines Freeman's expressive artwork with Weatherford's illuminating text to focus on the highlights of Cummings's life and career. Each spread includes a quotation from the Congressman that supports the text and gives readers insights into his personal life and those who influenced him. The narrative and illustrations work together to communicate Cummings's commitment to his faith, public service, and civil rights. His parents left South Carolina in the 1940s and settled in Maryland, where they raised seven children in a four-room house. Because it was too crowded to study, Cummings went to the public library after school, where the librarians would stay after work to tutor him. His grades went up, and he went on to become an attorney, congressman, and civil rights leader. This is an impressive, inspiring story of a battle well-fought and a life well-lived. The book concludes with a time line, bibliography, and quote sources. VERDICT Recommended first purchase.-Jennifer Steib Simmons, Anderson County Lib., SCα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.