Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr.—better known as Joe Biden—has had a long political career. In 1972, he became one of the youngest people ever elected to the Senate where he represented the state of Delaware for thirty-six years. There he served on the Foreign Relations Committee and the Judiciary Committee as Chairman or Ranking Member for both. In 2009, Joe Biden resigned from the Senate to become vice president of the US.
Biden’s life has been touched by tragedy, the death of his first wife and their infant daughter in a car accident and the death of his son Beau from a brain tumor. These experiences have helped shape him as a politician as much as his professional work has. His second wife, Dr. Jill Biden, is an English professor and both Bidens have written books about their family tragedies.
Kamala Harris has broken many barriers. The daughter of immigrants—her mother was an Indian American cancer researcher and her father a Jamaican-American economist and professor—she was the first African-American and first woman to serve as California's Attorney General and the second African-American woman and first South Asian-American senator in history. In the Senate she served on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on the Judiciary, and the Committee on the Budget.
On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as the 46th president and 49th vice-president of the United States
All titles in this minibibliography can be requested from your local cooperating library. The digital talking book titles can be downloaded from the NLS BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) website. Contact your local cooperating library to register for BARD. Registered users may also download audio titles on iOS and Android devices using the BARD Mobile app. To find your local cooperating library, go to www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/find-a-local-library or call toll-free 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323).
- Books by Joe Biden
- Short Pieces
- Books by Dr. Jill Biden
- Children’s Books
- Books by Kamala Harris
- Children’s Books
Books by Joe Biden
Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose
by Joseph R. Biden
President Biden discusses the difficulties he faced managing his public commitments while his eldest son, Beau, underwent treatment for a malignant and terminal brain tumor. Biden emphasizes that the strength of his family and his friendship with President Obama sustained him throughout this difficult period. Bestseller. 2017.
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Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics
by Joseph R. Biden
Autobiography of the President and former US senator from Delaware who was first elected to Congress in 1972 at age twenty-nine. Recalls his Irish Catholic upbringing in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, and the tragic deaths of his first wife and daughter. Highlights political and social issues that arose during his tenure. 2007.
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Short Pieces
The Dean: The Best Seat in the House
by Rep. John D. Dingell with David Bender; forewords by George H.W. Bush and Joseph R. Biden
Memoir from Democrat who served in the US House of Representatives for fifty-nine consecutive years (1955-2015)—the longest tenure of anyone in congressional history. He reflects on his life and considers the currents that reshaped Congress and America itself across those six decades. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2018.
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Note to Self: Inspiring Words from Inspiring People
by Gayle King
CBS This Morning co-host shares her favorite inspiring letters from such varied figures as Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, pop star Kesha, and racer Danica Patrick. Luminaries pen advice and encouragement to the young people they once were. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2018.
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Tomorrow Will Be Different: Love, Loss, and the Fight for Trans Equality
by Sarah McBride; foreword by Joe Biden
Activist author discusses her journey as a teenager struggling with gender identity, her marriage to fellow trans individual Andy, her commitment to advocacy, and more. Examines issues such as bathroom access, healthcare, political milestones, and the historical context of the transgender movement. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2018.
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Books by Dr. Jill Biden
Where the Light Enter: Building a Family, Discovering Myself
by Jill Biden
First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, wife of President Joe Biden, discusses her relationship with her husband, how she formed a family with him and her two stepsons, the difficulties of public life, and more. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2019.
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Children’s Books
Don't Forget, God Bless our Troops
by Jill Biden
Educator, First Lady, and wife of President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden based this children's story on her own granddaughter's experience. Young Natalie misses her father, who is away fighting a war, and keeps him in her heart and prayers as she tries to be brave. Includes resources for support. For grades K—3. 2012.
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Joey: The Story of Joe Biden
by Jill Biden with Kathleen Krull
First Lady, wife of President Biden, Dr. Jill Biden recounts his childhood in Scranton, Pennsylvania, his perseverance and leadership from his earliest years, his struggles to overcome stuttering, his relationships with his family, and his political career. Commercial audiobook. For preschool—grade 2. 2020.
Download DB100439
Books by Kamala Harris
The Truths We Hold
by Kamala D. Harris
Vice President, former California senator, and daughter of immigrants, Kamala Harris discusses how her upbringing informs her political views. Recounts her education and early career as a prosecutor before transitioning into politics. Discusses her views on problem solving, crisis management, and leadership that she feels can aid in uniting Americans. Some strong language. Commercial audiobook. 2019.
Download DB93761
Children’s Books
Superheroes Are Everywhere
by Kamala D. Harris
Vice President and former California senator, Kamala Harris recounts how she looked for superheroes in her everyday life as a child, finding them in her parents, her teachers, and her friends. Commercial audiobook. For grades K—3. 2019.
Download DB93760