Mama in Congress
Written by Adam Tlaib and Rashida Tlaib
Illustrated by Olivia Aserr
Mama in Congress is a picture book written by congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and her son Adam. The book is the story of the congresswoman’s life, as told by Adam. He discusses Tlaib’s parents immigrating to Detroit from Palestine, her childhood, racism and islamophobia, Tlaib’s urge to help whoever she can, and her political career.
Mama in Congress allows for a lesson plan that fits Gholdy Muhammad’s definition of identity development as an element of critical literacy. Muhammad says that “Students are constantly making sense of who they are, and, I argue, classroom instruction needs to be responsive to their identities… Not only is it important to teach youths who they are, but educators should also teach students about the identities and cultures of others different from them.” (Ferlazzo). Rashida and Adam Tlaib’s book explains Rep. Tlaib’s identity and how it shaped her life and career. It teaches students to use their identity and the things that make them different as a motivator and shows them an example of a person succeeding against the odds. Especially if students can relate to Tlaib’s experiences, it teaches them how important it is to be yourself and that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
Muhammad says that teachers should ask “how does our curriculum and instruction help students to learn about themselves or others?” (Ferlazzo). A lesson to go along with Mama in Congress that fits that guideline is for students to write about their own identity. It allows them to practice their literacy skills while reflecting on themselves, their family, and their experiences. They can discuss a time that they were not taken seriously or when people were mean to them because of a part of their identity. Then, if they are comfortable sharing, they can discuss their writing with a classmate or small group. This will allow them to practice verbal storytelling, allow for a class bonding experience, and will show students how many varying experiences their classmates have. Students will learn to respect others, no matter their differences, and that differences are what make each person special.