DOOR BY DOOR

Pincus chronicles Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride’s childhood and coming out.

McBride always knew that she wanted to be a politician, but it took time to learn that she could do that and be herself—a transgender woman. Following her through her childhood and college years, when she came out, the book emphasizes her commitment to helping others. It narratively connects her to her political role models, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Informative and absorbing, this is an enjoyable and uplifting read, though it lacks a strong unifying structure. Most of the narrative is devoted to McBride’s coming out; her 2020 election win is covered quickly at the end and does not feel like a strong payoff. Doors are a theme throughout: Telling others that she is transgender initially feels like something best left behind a closed door, and later, McBride works to open “the doors of opportunity” for others. It’s a meaningful metaphor, though one that might go over younger readers’ heads. However, Pincus tells McBride’s story effectively and explains trans identity in an understandable and empathetic way, enhanced by pleasant, straightforward illustrations. She describes McBride’s childhood without ever using the wrong pronouns or her birth name. McBride is White; other characters are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A heartfelt biography that will encourage readers to live their truths.