Book Resume
for Kamala and Maya's Big Idea by Meena Harris and Ana Ramírez González
Professional book information and credentials for Kamala and Maya's Big Idea.
2 Professional Reviews
1 Book Award
Selected for 1 State/Province List
- Kirkus:
- Ages Toddler - 8
- TeachingBooks:*
- Grades PK-2
- Word Count:
- 806
- Lexile Level:
- 540L
- ATOS Reading Level:
- 2.9
- Cultural Experience:
- African American
- Asian American
- South Asian
- Women / Girls
- Genre:
- Picture Book
- Year Published:
- 2020
2 Full Professional Reviews
The following unabridged reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers. Reviews may be used for educational purposes consistent with the fair use doctrine in your jurisdiction, and may not be reproduced or repurposed without permission from the rights holders.
Note: This section may include reviews for related titles (e.g., same author, series, or related edition).
From Kirkus
Before she was the first biracial, Black and South Asian female vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris was a little girl with big dreams. One morning, Kamala and her sister, Maya, look out the window of their apartment and realize that their building is missing something essential: a playground! Following their mother's advice, Kamala writes (and Maya illustrates) a letter to the landlord asking for one in their building's courtyard. When they deliver their letter, the landlord immediately says no--but Kamala and Maya won't take that for an answer. After getting permission to build the playground themselves, Kamala, Maya, and the other kids in their building get organized. At first, most of the adults are too busy or too distracted to help them, and all they hear is no. But then Mr. Green says that maybe he could get materials for a sandbox--and, as far as Kamala and Maya are concerned, maybes can become yeses. By the end of the book, through ingenuity, perseverance, and cooperation, Maya and Kamala don't just have their playground: They also have the confidence they need to become lifelong public servants. In this sunnily illustrated picture book, author Harris--Vice President Harris' niece and Maya Harris' daughter--imagines the details of a true story her mother told her growing up. The clear and readable storyline deftly balances optimism with the challenges of community organizing. The perfect text for both budding activists and children interested in what Vice President Harris was like as a child. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-8)
COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. (Online Review)
From AudioFile Magazine
Written and narrated by the niece of vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris, this uplifting audiobook was inspired by a true story from Kamala's childhood involving her sister Maya. With a fast pace and a bold, confident tone, Harris describes the young sisters' idea to turn the unused courtyard of their apartment building into a playground. Harris brings a dramatic flair to her narration that will engage listeners even if they aren't familiar with the real-life characters. Listeners hear the girls' exasperation when everyone says no to their project and their exuberance as they persist to achieve their goal. The author's note conveys a personal connection and describes her admiration for both her mother and her aunt's "fierce determination to conquer the world." S.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
1 Book Awards & Distinctions
Kamala and Maya's Big Idea was recognized by committees of professional librarians and educators for the following book awards and distinctions.
1 Selection for State & Provincial Recommended Reading Lists
Kamala and Maya's Big Idea was selected by educational and library professionals to be included on the following state/provincial reading lists.
United States Lists (1)
Florida
- Sunshine State Young Readers Award Jr., 2021-2022, Elementary School, Grades K-2
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This Book Resume for Kamala and Maya's Big Idea is compiled from TeachingBooks, a library of professional resources about children's and young adult books. This page may be shared for educational purposes and must include copyright information. Reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers.
*Grade levels are determined by certified librarians utilizing editorial reviews and additional materials. Relevant age ranges vary depending on the learner, the setting, and the intended purpose of a book.
Retrieved from TeachingBooks on December 25, 2025. © 2001-2025 TeachingBooks.net, LLC. All rights reserved by rights holders.


Jane Addams Children's Book Awards, 1953-2025, Finalist, 2020