Common Sense Media Review
By Diondra K. Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautiful retelling of an inspiring woman's unique journey.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
KETANJI: JUSTICE JACKSON'S JOURNEY TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT tells the life story of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Her parents had high expectations for her future and valued education and equal rights. In spite of being doubted and ridiculed by others because of the color of her skin, Jackson knew she could succeed, and she proved all the naysayers wrong. She went to college at Harvard University and then attended Harvard Law School. She married a partner who shared her dreams for justice and supported her career journey. After practicing law for 15 years, Jackson achieved her goal of becoming a federal judge, having been nominated by President Barack Obama in 2012. Her daughter wrote a letter to President Obama asking him to nominate her mother for the Supreme Court. But that call came years later, from President Joe Biden. In 2022, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson became an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, the first Black woman to serve on the court.
Is It Any Good?
This is an excellent, visually gorgeous biographical picture book. Ketanji: Justice Jackson's Journey to the U.S. Supreme Court shares Jackson's story in a heartfelt way that will touch readers. A lot of the obstacles that Jackson faced throughout her life are still relevant today, which highlights the significant need for the work toward equality that she has committed her life to. Laura Freeman's digital illustrations are eye-catching and innovative. The information-dense writing and small print may be better suited to early elementary school readers, but the content is appropriate and accessible for younger kids as a read-aloud with a caregiver or teacher. This is a must-read for those who want to learn more about this historical figure's life story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the trait of perseverance in Ketanji: Justice Jackson's Journey to the U.S. Supreme Court. In what ways did Jackson persevere while being interviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee? Do you think it was hard? Why, or why not?
The book quotes Jackson as saying, "It has taken two hundred and thirty-two years ... but we've made it." What is she referring to? Why is it important that "we've made it"?
The Supreme Court Building is where Jackson works. Have you ever seen this building? Can you draw it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Laura Freeman
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , History
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Quill Tree Books
- Publication date : June 20, 2023
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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