Families who loved A Life of Service: The Story of Senator Tammy Duckworth by Christina Soontornvat often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a setback or feeling discouraged by a physical limitation or a sense of being different. This beautifully illustrated biography follows Tammy Duckworth from her childhood as a biracial girl in Southeast Asia to her courageous service as a helicopter pilot and her eventual role as a U.S. Senator. It is a powerful tool for teaching children that 'service' can take many forms, even when life takes an unexpected and difficult turn. While the book touches on the injury Senator Duckworth sustained in Iraq, it focuses heavily on her resilience and her identity as a Thai American woman. It is developmentally appropriate for children ages 4 to 9, offering a realistic but deeply hopeful look at how one person can turn a life-changing challenge into a lifelong mission to help others. Parents will appreciate the way it balances bravery in battle with the quiet, persistent bravery required for recovery and public service.
