Kamala and Maya's Big Idea
Author: Meena Harris
Format: Hardcover ISBN: 9780062937407
Meena Harris debuts with an empowering picture book about two sisters who work with their community to effect change, inspired by a true story from the childhood of her aunt, US Senator Kamala Harris, and mother, lawyer, and policy expert Maya Harris.
One day, Kamala and Maya had an idea. A big idea: they would turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground!
This is the uplifting tale of how the author's aunt and mother first learned to persevere in the face of disappointment and turned a dream into reality. This is a story of children's ability to make a difference and of a community coming together to transform their neighborhood.
--Megan Rapinoe, Co-Captain, U.S. Women's National Soccer Team
About the Author
Meena Harris was born into a family of strong women whose legacy continues to inspire her. Her grandmother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a cancer researcher and civil rights activist; her mother, Maya Harris, is a lawyer and policy expert; and her aunt, Kamala Harris, is a United States senator from California. Meena herself is a lawyer and entrepreneur. In 2017 she founded the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign, a female-powered organization that brings awareness to social causes. She currently resides in San Francisco with her partner and two daughters.
Ana Ramírez González worked as a visual development artist on Pixar's Academy Award-winning film Coco and illustrated the companion picture book Coco: Miguel and the Grand Harmony. She grew up in Guanajuato, Mexico, and lives in Oakland, California. Ana is also the illustrator of the picture books Kamala and Maya's Big Idea, Maybe Tomorrow? and A Sled for Gabo.
Reviews
"An inspirational reminder to choose courage over fear, Kamala and Maya's Big Idea teaches a powerful lesson: if you're willing to fight with everything you've got, no dream is too big. A must read for little girls around the world."--Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Senator from Massachusetts
"Kamala and Maya's Big Idea is an inspiring tale that shows children the art of the possible when cooperation and imagination meet determined young minds. A simple but moving lesson on the power of organizing will resonate for this next generation of young leaders. More importantly, it will spark those who feel too small to chase their own big ideas and change their corner of our world."--Stacey Abrams, Former Minority Leader, Georgia House of Representatives; Founder and Chair, Fair Fight Action
"I love this book--the power of persistence and being bold is one of the most important lessons we can teach young people."--Megan Rapinoe, Co-Captain, U.S. Women's National Soccer Team