Cover of the book Kamala and Maya's Big Idea. Features an illustration of the protagonists, Kamala and Maya, standing back to back and looking at the reader. They are standing in a garden and holding tools.

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea

Posted on by Kate Shanks

One day, Kamala and Maya had an idea. A big idea: they would turn their empty apartment courtyard into a playground! This is the uplifting tale of how the author’s aunt and mother first learned to persevere in the face of disappointment and turned a dream into reality. This is a story of children’s ability to make a difference and of a community coming together to transform their neighborhood.

Meena Harris debuts with an empowering picture book about two sisters who work with their community to effect change, inspired by a true story from the childhood of her aunt, US Senator Kamala Harris, and mother, lawyer, and policy expert Maya Harris. (Source)

Author: Meena Harris

Illustrator: Ana Ramírez González

Author Meena Harris was born into a family of strong women whose legacy continues to inspire her. Meena herself is a lawyer and entrepreneur. In 2017 she founded Phenomenal, a values-driven, 360-degree media company that centers women and historically excluded communities. She currently resides in San Francisco with her partner and two daughters.

Illustrator Ana Ramírez González worked as a visual development artist on Pixar’s Oscar-winning film Coco and illustrated the companion picture book Coco: Miguel and the Grand Harmony by Matt de la Peña. Ana is also the illustrator of Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell. She grew up in Guanajuato, Mexico, and lives in Oakland, California.

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Excerpt from the book. Features an illustration of Kamala thinking at a neighborhood picnic. There is a long table filled with food, children playing, and adults talking.
Excerpt from the book. (Source)
Excerpt from the book. Features an illustration of Kamala looking out the window. She is speaking to her sister, who is standing behind her.
Excerpt from the book. (Source)

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