A Life of Service: The Story of Sen. Tammy Duckworth

By Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk (Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press, 2022, 48 pp., $18.99, hard cover)

Award-winning Thai American creators introduce children to Thai American Sen. Ladda Tammy Duckworth, an extraordinary woman and an American hero. Christina Soontornvat gives a comprehensive look at Duckworth’s life and focuses on the influences that shaped and inspired her passion for service. It begins with her childhood in Bangkok, Thailand, where Duckworth’s father worked for the United Nations. One of his responsibilities was delivering aid to refugees who were escaping violence. When she accompanied him to the refugee camps, “she met people who had lost almost everything.” It was through this formative experience that Duckworth realized she wanted to be like her father and other aid workers, “serving America by helping those in need.”

The author also highlights Duckworth’s service in the Army National Guard as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and commander of her aviation unit. It was during this time the U.S. decided to invade Iraq. Although Duckworth disagreed with America’s decision, she went to battle because of her bond with her unit. “If they were going into battle, she needed to be right there with them.” Her life changed forever when enemy fire shot her helicopter. Duckworth would have died if not for her crew risking their own lives to save her. Though she survived, she lost her legs and partial use of her right arm. She spent a year relearning how to eat, bathe and finally walk with prosthetic legs. Duckworth’s goal was to return to combat, but life had other plans for her.

Duckworth begins advocating for other soldiers, calling elected officials, “demanding the U.S. give veterans the respect and treatment they deserved.” Through this advocacy, a senator from Duckworth’s home state encouraged her to run for public office. As a veteran, she understood the realities of war and she could continue serving her country by advocating for all Americans in need. Duckworth first served in the House of Representatives and she is currently in the Senate, where she continues to work tirelessly for all Americans. She is ever grateful to her aviation crew for saving her life, giving her the opportunity to continue serving America and all of her people.

Dow Phumiruk’s illustrations, done in pencil and digital collage, perfectly capture significant moments in Duckworth’s life with sensitivity and grace. We see this sensitivity when young Duckworth and her father visit a family in a refugee camp. This sensitivity is also illuminated when she is injured and experiences her long road to recovery. Finally, we see this grace when she is a senator, where she “continues to break barriers and defy expectations.”

This book is a wonderful read aloud for children in grades two through four. There are many places in the text that will prompt good discussions on topics, including war, how it affects people, ability differences and overcoming obstacles. It can also be used for a research project, as it includes a timeline and list of Duckworth’s ongoing advocacy for immigrants, refugees, transgender people, veterans, people with disabilities, mothers and families.

Read “A Life of Service” to teach about the incredible Ladda Tammy Duckworth and inspire readers to persevere, break barriers, and fight for others.