Little, Brown will publish a children’s book by Meena Harris, the niece of Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris, early next year, Publishers Weekly reports.
Meena Harris’ Ambitious Girl, her second book for young readers, illustrated by Marissa Valdez, follows a girl who refuses to apologize for wanting something great for herself.
“When a young girl sees a strong woman on TV labeled as ‘too assertive’ and ‘too ambitious,’ it sends her on a journey of discovery through past, present, and future about the challenges faced by women and girls and the ways in which they can reframe, redefine, and reclaim words meant to knock them down,” the publisher says. “Anyone who’s ever been underestimated or overshadowed will find inspiration in this empowering picture book from New York Times bestselling author Meena Harris.”
Harris’ previous book, Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea, was published by HarperCollins imprint Balzer + Bray in June. The book was based on a true story from the childhoods of Meena Harris’ mother and aunt.
Meena Harris told Publishers Weekly that her forthcoming book was inspired by her own childhood.
“With Ambitious Girl, I am hoping to change the narrative, literally,” she said. “Unlike my first book, which tells a story, this one is more lyrical. It’s a womanifesto of sorts for girls with ambition, and really, for all kids—we also need to teach our boys that ambitious girls and women are leaders deserving of respect and admiration.”
Ambitious Girl is slated for publication on Jan. 19, 2021, one day before Inauguration Day.
Michael Schaub is a Texas-based journalist and regular contributor to NPR.
