Chico

by Sandra Day O'Connor

Sandra loves ranch life. Most of all, she loves riding her pony, Chico. But a ride to visit a new calf ends in a terrifying encounter with a rattlesnake. Sandra learns an important lesson about taking care of herself and her horse—and about overcoming her fears.

In this story, based on a true-life incident, young Sandra demonstrates the forthright spirit that gave her the courage and confidence to become the first woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. Her adventure with Chico in the desert landscape is breathtakingly rendered by celebrated painter Dan Andreasen.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, History, Horses

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 2005

About the author

Sandra Day O'Connor is an American jurist. She served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1981 until her retirement from the bench in 2006. The first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, she served as a crucial swing vote in some cases due to her case-by-case approach to jurisprudence and her somewhat moderate political views. However, during her time on the Court, she voted with the conservative Chief Justice William Rehnquist more than with any other justice.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written. I was waiting for something BIG to happen the whole story, but it never did. Still, it was a nice story.

[Sarahs Reads ToKids · Rating 4 out of 5]

My youngest daughter loves horses and my son loves any story about living on a ranch and/or ranchers. This was such a fun story to read to the kids about a day in the life of Sandra Day O’Connor when she was a little girl.

[Andrew Dittmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice story, a nice memory presumably from O'Connor's childhood.

One can disagree plenty with O'Connor's judicial career, but she remains a fascinating and accomplished woman, worthy of study and even praise.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

My granddaughter loves this book.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter and I have been covering Sandra Day O’Connor, first woman appointed to the Supreme Court, with our history lessons in school and were pleased to find a picture book written by the woman herself. The story on its own might make a reader wonder when the climactic event is going to happen and may feel a bit cheated when it doesn't, but for others they will enjoy this beautifully illustrated glimpse into this remarkable woman’s life who was far ahead of her time.