Interview with U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, Co-author of “Sharice’s Big Voice”

How would you describe your experience of writing a book, specifically a children’s book? What did you find most enjoyable and/or challenging?

I really enjoyed the process. It was difficult and took a long time but it was very rewarding. I fit this project in on nights and weekends so it took longer than expected. For me, I enjoyed hearing what my mom remembered about my childhood. We talked with her about how she perceived my time growing up and it was so meaningful to hear her stories. I share a story in the book about a time I got in trouble at school for talking too much and I loved hearing my mom's recollection of that.

In the book, you talk about your ability to converse with and listen to other people, saying, “A good conversation can make people happy. You start as strangers, but then you share ideas and learn about each other” and “I discovered that the best way to learn about people is to listen to them.” Can you describe a conversation with a stranger that was particularly meaningful for you?

That's a great question. It happens all the time as a Congressperson. In fact, it's one of the best parts of my job. Every day, people share their experiences with me and ways they think we can make the world better. And it's really inspiring. Recently I got to talk to a fourth grade class and they shared what it's been like to go to school during the pandemic and how they wear masks because it protects their families. They also talked about how funny Zoom is. (They're not wrong. Especially the pets.)

In your journey to Congress, you have accomplished so much and broken through so many glass ceilings! What are one (or a few!) parts of your journey that you are most proud of?

A lot of people have said to me, "Law school must have really changed your life." But, in fact, it wasn't really law school. It was my decision to go to law school that changed my life because law school felt scary. So, I think I'm most proud of being open to new experiences, no matter how those experiences turned out.

Do you have a favorite children’s book (either from when you were a child or that has been published since)? What is it and why?

I'm reading The Firekeeper's Daughter now and I love it. Growing up, I didn't have books with characters who were indigenous or queer, so it's exciting to see this happening now.

Is there a teacher or mentor who had a particularly strong impact on you or your life? How did they impact you?

My mom has always had the biggest influence on my life for so many reasons. First, she taught me how to work hard and to work hard for what I believe in. Growing up, I never assumed I should be anyone other than my authentic self, which is not the case for a lot of queer people. In fact, my mom always encouraged me and my brothers to be ourselves. I feel so lucky for that. I always try to support people in their journey to be their authentic selves.