Review Detail

National Geographic Readers: Kamala Harris (Level 2)

Kids Nonfiction 725

Timely Current Biography

February 04, 2022 (Updated: June 07, 2026)

Overall rating

4.3

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Learning Value

4.0

In this short, easy reader book, Harris's life is given a brief but well illustrated overview. From her early years growing up in Oakland, California with her Jamaican American father and Indian American mother to her first political act, getting children to be allowed to play on the lawn of the family's apartment in Montreal, we see that Harris' has always had an interest in making a difference in the world around her. The pictures of Harris and her family are accompanied by some of things going on in the world at the time, which gives a good historical perspective to the book. Her part in Biden's presidential race, her installation as vice president, and the work she has done since is explained in a way that is easy for young readers to understand.

Good Points

In addition to the biography, there are pages with "Six Cool Facts about Harris", a "Quiz Whiz", and a glossary of terms. The back cover lists other titles in this Nat Geo Kids biographical series.

I remember being enthralled with Nancy Bean White's Meet John F. Kennedy as a child. It was a frequent reread, and might be responsible for my brief interest in becoming president someday! This book is a great way to show young readers the possibilities that life holds, especially since it lays out Harris' path to the White House in such an instructive fashion.

The pictures are what make this a great choice, and National Geographic does a great job at finding illustrations to back up the text. I do appreciate the attempt at portraying the world that Harris lived in, since young readers have troubling picturing things as being different from the way they are now.