March 1, 2023
The first Black female U.S. Supreme Court justice's journey to greatness. Charles notes that Ketanji Brown Jackson's groundbreaking achievements are rooted in the dreams of her ancestors, who "fought to change / the fabric of this country." Born in 1970, Ketanji Onyika Brown was the daughter of a lawyer and a principal. Indeed, she often sat with them as they studied and graded papers. She was an honor student and skilled debater, but when she set her sights on Harvard University, a guidance counselor discouraged her. She nevertheless attended both Harvard University and Harvard Law School, worked as a public defender, and became a district court judge. History was made when President Joe Biden nominated her as a Supreme Court justice. Never in 232 years had a Black woman ever served on the court, but her confirmation by the Senate changed that. This lively picture-book biography tells Justice Jackson's story in direct, age-appropriate verse, never losing sight of either her struggles or successes. References to Black women lawyers and judges such as Charlotte E. Ray, Jane Bolin, and Constance Baker Motley make clear that many paved the way for her. The text is supported by colorful and expressive gouache and wax pencil illustrations that contribute to the overall hopeful tone of the narrative. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Triumphant and inspiring. (author's note, important dates, important people and history shown in the art, bibliography) (Picture-book biography. 5-8)
COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Starred review from April 1, 2023
Gr 2-4-"I love our country and the Constitution and the rights that make us free," stated Ketanji Brown Jackson at the Senate hearing that confirmed her as the first African American female to be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States of America. Charles writes this biography through the eyes of an admiring and inspired young girl under the loving care and guidance of her mother. Charles's dedication to seeing events through a young person's perspective is refreshing and admirable. Her use of poetry and the inclusion of personal details about Jackson and historical facts is intentional and well done. Skidmore's illustrations wonderfully complement the text. Young and old will see themselves in the pages of this book. VERDICT Every dream begins with one small step, and those who read this book will know that with work, determination, and love, their dreams can come true, too. An excellent book to share in groups and necessary for all collections.-Laura Ellis
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 10, 2023
In a stylized picture book biography told through a wide lens, the creators outline the life of Ketanji Brown Jackson (b. 1970) from childhood to her appointment on the U.S. Supreme Court. Opening pages show young Jackson offering up a childhood hope to “protect the people/ and the Constitution,” views of her 2022 entrée as the first Black female Supreme Court justice, and starry images of ancestors with “intentional/ and courageous” dreams. Having established “the hopes/ and the dreams” from which Jackson was born, Charles next follows her through the decades as a child in 1970s Miami, and onward, as she follows in the steps of luminaries such as Charlotte E. Ray, Jane Bolin, and Constance Baker Motley. Skidmore’s stylized gouache and wax pencil illustrations illuminate pivotal years in Jackson’s schooling, then tenure as a law clerk, public defender, circuit court judge, and finally her Supreme Court appointment. It’s an inspiring biography that acknowledges the impact of those who paved the way. An author’s note and timeline conclude. Ages 4–8.