*STARRED REVIEW* Claudia Sheinbaum’s rise from scientist to Mexico’s president is chronicled using the metamorphosis of monarch butterflies as metaphor. The end papers overflowing with monarchs bracket the story of her childhood as part of a Jewish family in Mexico. Her political activism began in college, where “Claudia studied year after year. . .Then one day, her own chrysalis cracked open, and Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum emerged, an expert on the environment.” Sheinbaum used her science background to help the environment in Mexico City. Appointed to various local and international committees, she worked to improve the lives of people in Mexico. Sheinbaum moved into politics as mayor of Mexico City, and then president of Mexico: “She was the first woman, the first Jewish person, and the first scientist to lead the country. A metamorphosis indeed.” Although the book mentions Sheinbaum’s family, its primary focus is on her achievements as a scientist and politician. The illustrations are mostly vibrant spreads. Monarch butterflies appear throughout. The back matter provides a glossary of Spanish words, information on Judaism in Mexico, the Nobel prize, women’s rights in Mexico, a map of the country, and a photo of Sheinbaum herself. VERDICT A wonderfully detailed yet succinct biography focusing on Sheinbaum’s impact on the world, this is a great first purchase. —School Library JournalThe first woman, first Jewish person, and first scientist to become president of Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum gets her due in this biographical picture book about believing in yourself, in your dreams, and in a better world for all. The arrival of mariposas (butterflies) in Mexico City heralded Hanukkah in Claudia’s youth; as she got older, their dwindling numbers signaled a crisis she sought to avert. From Nobel Peace Prize winner to mayor to president, this book tracks a remarkable woman’s remarkable life. —Foreword ReviewsThis biography of Claudia Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico and the first woman and Jewish person to hold the office, shows that leaders can be forward-thinking and collaborative. As a child, Sheinbaum was raised in an observant Jewish household, learned to love science and nature, and learned about monarch butterflies. Her journey is framed by the metaphor of a butterfly’s metamorphosis, with a tiny monarch accompanying her on every page of the lush, evocative illustrations. In college, Sheinbaum became an activist, speaking out about the need for free education for all. She had a successful career as a scientist, always concerned about using her platform to improve society. When she was invited to collaborate on important research, her answer was "Sí!" When faced with difficult questions about ideas for reducing pollution or improving public transport, her answer was "Sí!" The book puts forth traits of curiosity, persistence, collaboration, and ingenuity as admirable, especially when used for the benefit of many. Gorgeous illustrations complement the warm tone of the narrative. —Booklist"Before 2024, Mexico had never elected a woman nor a person who identified as Jewish as president. In a new picture-book biography, Claudia Said Sí, authors Deborah Bodin Cohen and Kerry Olitzky and illustrator Carlos Vélez Aguilera identify President Claudia Sheinbaum as an agent of change. Using both the textual and visual motif of metamorphosis, the authors and illustrator compare Sheinbaum’s transformation, over the course of her careers, to that of a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.Although all four of Sheinbaum’s grandparents were Jewish immigrants to Mexico, religious identity has not featured prominently in her activism or politics. However, she has openly discussed her Jewish roots. These facts are presented realistically. An anecdote about the young Claudia celebrating Hanukkah with her grandparents is accompanied by a lively scene of an illuminated menorá, smiling abuelos, and their happy granddaughter. This corresponds to Sheinbaum’s general memories of festival observances with her grandparents, not in her own home; Sheinbaum’s parents were secular intellectuals and political activists who inspired her to fight for social justice.The book’s endpapers feature a lush collage of overlapping butterflies on their annual autumnal appearance during Sheinbaum’s childhood: 'Most of the butterflies settled in the mountains, blanketing fir trees like copper silk.' The delicate poetry of this sentence is an interesting choice for presenting Sheinbaum’s origins. She is multitalented, drawn to nature and ballet. Soon, however, the stages of her growth, like that of a butterfly, become more evident. Claudia demonstrates for free public education and begins to pursue a career in the sciences and engineering, earning a doctorate. Focusing her work on environmental solutions, she eventually becomes part of a team that shares the Nobel Peace Prize. The metaphor of a butterfly’s biological development, along with its graceful beauty, traces its flight throughout Sheinbaum’s story, as her self-assurance and determination define her path.Elected mayor of Mexico City, Sheinbaum implements policies promoting solar energy and innovative forms of transportation. A two-page spread shows cable cars suspended above the crowded communities below, with butterflies crowning the multicolored dwellings. The book culminates with Sheinbaum’s election to the presidency, proudly raising her hand to a crowd of supporters. Given her persistence, her victory in the election seems as expected as the transformation of a butterfly. Yet, as the authors emphasize, she is 'the first woman, the first Jewish person, and the first scientist to lead the country.' By concluding their biography at this point, Bodin Cohen and Olitzky present Sheinbaum’s career as a work in progress. Young readers will be impressed by her accomplishments, and perhaps wonder what her future will bring.Claudia Said Sí! is highly recommended and includes an afterword with further information and a glossary."—Jewish Book Council
