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Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality
To become the first female Jewish Supreme Court Justice, the unsinkable Ruth Bader Ginsburg had to overcome countless injustices. Growing up in Brooklyn in the 1930s and ’40s, Ginsburg was discouraged from working by her father, who thought a woman’s place was in the home. Regardless, she went to Cornell University, where men outnumbered women four to one. There, she met her husband, Martin Ginsburg, and found her calling as a lawyer. Despite discrimination against Jews, females, and working mothers, Ginsburg went on to become Columbia Law School’s first tenured female professor, a judge for the US Court of Appeals, and finally, a Supreme Court Justice.
Structured as a court case in which the reader is presented with evidence of the injustice that Ginsburg faced, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the true story of how one of America’s most “notorious” women bravely persevered to become the remarkable symbol of justice she is today.
Structured as a court case in which the reader is presented with evidence of the injustice that Ginsburg faced, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is the true story of how one of America’s most “notorious” women bravely persevered to become the remarkable symbol of justice she is today.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published August 8, 2017
21 people are currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
Jonah Winter
65 books83 followersJonah Winter is the celebrated author of many picture book biographies, including Barack, which was a New York Times bestseller. His books include Here Comes the Garbage Barge, Sonia Sotomayor, Roberto Clemente, and more. A poet and a painter, Mr. Winter divides his time between Santa Fe and a small town in Pennsylvania.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
March 6, 2018
I love when my children choose books based on what they see I’m reading. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an inspiration and this book explains the obstacles she had to constantly overcome on each step of her journey. In the words of my son, this was “inspiring.” 4.5 stars
December 16, 2017
Ruth Bader Ginsburg didn't set out to be a trailblazer. She became one out of necessity.
Not many women decided to become lawyers in the early fifties, but Ruth chose that career because she knew she had the verbal and analytical skills to handle the job as well as any man. The odds seemed to be stacked against her. When she arrived at Harvard Law School, there were only nine women out of a class of five hundred. She was not allowed to enter the periodical room in the law library because she was a woman. One night, all nine female students were invited to a dinner party at the law school dean's home. The dean then proceeded to ask every woman seated at the table why she thought she deserved a spot at the school that could have gone to a man.
Nevertheless, she persisted, and became the first woman ever on both the Harvard Law Review and the Columbia Law Review. She then went on to become Columbia University Law School's first female tenured law professor. In 1980, President Carter appointed her to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Then, thirteen years later, at age sixty, she was appointed to the Supreme Court.
Winter's book captures the highlights of Ginsburg's stellar career, and Stacy Innerst's paintings add warmth and charm.
A lovely tribute to an inspiring woman.
Not many women decided to become lawyers in the early fifties, but Ruth chose that career because she knew she had the verbal and analytical skills to handle the job as well as any man. The odds seemed to be stacked against her. When she arrived at Harvard Law School, there were only nine women out of a class of five hundred. She was not allowed to enter the periodical room in the law library because she was a woman. One night, all nine female students were invited to a dinner party at the law school dean's home. The dean then proceeded to ask every woman seated at the table why she thought she deserved a spot at the school that could have gone to a man.
Nevertheless, she persisted, and became the first woman ever on both the Harvard Law Review and the Columbia Law Review. She then went on to become Columbia University Law School's first female tenured law professor. In 1980, President Carter appointed her to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Then, thirteen years later, at age sixty, she was appointed to the Supreme Court.
Winter's book captures the highlights of Ginsburg's stellar career, and Stacy Innerst's paintings add warmth and charm.
A lovely tribute to an inspiring woman.
May 3, 2019
Loved this book. What an amazing woman. I really didn't know much about RBG when I started this. I know there is a recent movie out about her and I'd really love to see it, which is what probably prompted me to read this. I got enough of a glimpse into her life from this book to now say I am a fan. What an inspiring woman. I wish this was one of those books I had read to my daughter when she was growing up. We need such books with great women role models.
Because I'm a crybaby, of course I cried reading about Ruth's mother passing away when she was going to graduate top of her class. Her mother was the one encouraging her to not let her gender stop her from accomplishing things in life. In general, this book had me very emotional as I read it.
I cannot wait to read a more in-depth biography on RBG.
The artwork fit the story quite well.
Jonah Winter is also now on my favorite authors list.
Because I'm a crybaby, of course I cried reading about Ruth's mother passing away when she was going to graduate top of her class. Her mother was the one encouraging her to not let her gender stop her from accomplishing things in life. In general, this book had me very emotional as I read it.
I cannot wait to read a more in-depth biography on RBG.
The artwork fit the story quite well.
Jonah Winter is also now on my favorite authors list.
September 5, 2018
Wonderful book about an inspiring woman!
Ruth Nader Ginsburg:The Case of R.B.G. Vs Inequality goes into the early and private life of Ruth. So many obstacles were in her way, or any female or Jew at that time, to accomplish anything! She never stopped despite the resistance! I did learn a lot about her life! She is one of my female real life heros. I think all girls and minorities should read this.
Ruth Nader Ginsburg:The Case of R.B.G. Vs Inequality goes into the early and private life of Ruth. So many obstacles were in her way, or any female or Jew at that time, to accomplish anything! She never stopped despite the resistance! I did learn a lot about her life! She is one of my female real life heros. I think all girls and minorities should read this.
August 9, 2017
This is a great example why 2017 is the year of nonfiction picture books.*
Presented as a case trial (including exhibits), readers get to know the obstacles RBG faced to get a higher education and to be taken seriously in her profession as a woman-and her mother. Nevertheless, she persisted. Her intelligence, work ethic, and moral compass made her not only a champion of human rights but an icon, as well. A glossary and author's note is included in the back.
The illustrations- even the endpapers- are gorgeous. Readers will come away enjoying a great true story, learn some things, be visually taken, and will want to share this with others.
*At least, in my opinion!
Presented as a case trial (including exhibits), readers get to know the obstacles RBG faced to get a higher education and to be taken seriously in her profession as a woman-and her mother. Nevertheless, she persisted. Her intelligence, work ethic, and moral compass made her not only a champion of human rights but an icon, as well. A glossary and author's note is included in the back.
The illustrations- even the endpapers- are gorgeous. Readers will come away enjoying a great true story, learn some things, be visually taken, and will want to share this with others.
*At least, in my opinion!
November 9, 2017
Loved reading this to my two sons and hearing their outrage at the discrimination RBG faced. My oldest asked me if I want to be like her when I “grow up.” Obviously! We need more books like this aimed at kids.
March 19, 2018
One of the better looks at RBG, who is the subject of several children's books. This one was a NYT Best Illustrated Book of 2017.
August 8, 2020
The biography of the notorious RBG will serve as an inspiration for feminists of all ages.
February 27, 2018
Inspiring! And with great illustrations!
November 18, 2020
This is a really good biography of RBG for younger readers. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the illustrations, but I guess they work quite well with the text. Presented in the form of a case trial, it tells her life story focusing particularly on all the obstacles she had to overcome as a Jewish woman, mother and a Harvard law student at the time. They are presented as Exhibits in the trial and the author describes them as “some of the more outrageous nonsense Ruth endured”. The book also has a glossary at the end explaining some of the terms used.
All in all, a pretty good introduction to RBG’s remarkable life in a concise and accessible form.
February 1, 2018
This is the kind of kids' book that doesn't talk down to the child. I learned all about RBG's life in a succinct 48 pages. The author took the angle of making it a case of law set out before you.
Intrigued me enough that I've put an adult version of her biography on my reading list.
Intrigued me enough that I've put an adult version of her biography on my reading list.
August 14, 2017
I loved this story of RBG. It is perfect for elementary school kids. Beautiful illustrations! A must for my personal book shelf!
February 16, 2022
Nicely done artwork.
October 3, 2018
This biography of the 2nd Woman Supreme Court Justice is short and concise (pun intended). Perfect for the elementary crowd with just enough information to pique their interest but not overwhelm them. The bibliography is extensive if they want to learn more or are writing a report. What an amazing woman.
October 27, 2017
Richie’s Picks: RUTH BADER GINSBURG: THE CASE OF R.B.G. VS. INEQUALITY by Jonah Winter and Stacy Innerst, ill. Abrams, August 2017, 48p., ISBN: 978-1-4197-2559-3
“You owe it to the job to be a lady
It’s the duty of the staff for to give the boss a whirl
The wages that you get are crummy, maybe
But it’s all you get cos you’re a girl”
--Peggy Seeger “I’m Gonna Be an Engineer” (1972)
“The median salary for women working full time is about 80 percent of men’s. That gap, put in other terms, means women are working for free ten weeks a year. So if you’re a woman, you started working for free today.”
-- Xaquín G.V. “Can We Talk About the Gender Pay Gap” The Washington Post, 10/26/17
“By the 1970s, a lot of women had had enough of this sort of treatment. They took part in protests and demonstrations with signs saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL JOBS, WOMEN’S LIBERATION, and EQUALITY!
It wasn’t Ruth’s style to take part in protests, but she did do something. An organization called the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) asked Ruth to be in charge of court cases involving women’s inequality. The reason they asked her? Because she was a woman, and they thought this was ‘women’s work!’ There was no end to this disrespect.
Nonetheless, Ruth accepted the position, and in 1972 she became the leader of the ACLU Women’s Rights Project--a battle in the courts against unfairness to women. She was the lead lawyer for six Supreme Court cases, and she won five of them. Though Ruth herself was not a revolutionary, what she did for women was revolutionary. She won the right for women to get ‘equal protection’ of the laws--to be treated as equal to men.”
RUTH BADER GINSBURG: THE CASE OF R.B.G. VS. INEQUALITY is an inspiring picture book biography about one of the most powerful American woman in government today. As the title suggests, the story is framed as an attorney’s presentation of a court case. The story begins with the author’s “opening argument”, letting you know that you’re going to see evidence of an unfair world “where boys were valued more than girls, where women were not encouraged to achieve and aspire.” Author Jonah Winter then lays out the evidence about Ruth’s childhood in a poor family, and the marital and societal impediments she saw her mother face. Winter shows what Ruth had to overcome in order to graduate law school, get a job as a lawyer and, eventually, serve as Columbia’s first tenured female law professor.
Ginsburg served on the U.S. Court of Appeals and then, in 1993, was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Clinton. There, Ginsburg has written “some of the most powerful, strongly worded dissents in Supreme Court history” and persevered through cancer treatments to maintain her place and her voice on the Court.
As the author concludes, “There can be just one verdict: Because she did not give up, because she refused to let other people define her limitations as a person, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has herself become a symbol of justice in America.”
Stacy Inneerst’s gouache and ink illustrations are humorous and frequently moving. Following the story, the author provides an extensive glossary as well as an enlightening author’s note.
Women employees are still fighting to be treated equal to men. But thanks to the tenacity of the Notorious R.B.G., aspiring young women have a leg up on previous generations and can more readily see the way up through the glass ceiling.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“You owe it to the job to be a lady
It’s the duty of the staff for to give the boss a whirl
The wages that you get are crummy, maybe
But it’s all you get cos you’re a girl”
--Peggy Seeger “I’m Gonna Be an Engineer” (1972)
“The median salary for women working full time is about 80 percent of men’s. That gap, put in other terms, means women are working for free ten weeks a year. So if you’re a woman, you started working for free today.”
-- Xaquín G.V. “Can We Talk About the Gender Pay Gap” The Washington Post, 10/26/17
“By the 1970s, a lot of women had had enough of this sort of treatment. They took part in protests and demonstrations with signs saying ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL JOBS, WOMEN’S LIBERATION, and EQUALITY!
It wasn’t Ruth’s style to take part in protests, but she did do something. An organization called the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) asked Ruth to be in charge of court cases involving women’s inequality. The reason they asked her? Because she was a woman, and they thought this was ‘women’s work!’ There was no end to this disrespect.
Nonetheless, Ruth accepted the position, and in 1972 she became the leader of the ACLU Women’s Rights Project--a battle in the courts against unfairness to women. She was the lead lawyer for six Supreme Court cases, and she won five of them. Though Ruth herself was not a revolutionary, what she did for women was revolutionary. She won the right for women to get ‘equal protection’ of the laws--to be treated as equal to men.”
RUTH BADER GINSBURG: THE CASE OF R.B.G. VS. INEQUALITY is an inspiring picture book biography about one of the most powerful American woman in government today. As the title suggests, the story is framed as an attorney’s presentation of a court case. The story begins with the author’s “opening argument”, letting you know that you’re going to see evidence of an unfair world “where boys were valued more than girls, where women were not encouraged to achieve and aspire.” Author Jonah Winter then lays out the evidence about Ruth’s childhood in a poor family, and the marital and societal impediments she saw her mother face. Winter shows what Ruth had to overcome in order to graduate law school, get a job as a lawyer and, eventually, serve as Columbia’s first tenured female law professor.
Ginsburg served on the U.S. Court of Appeals and then, in 1993, was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Clinton. There, Ginsburg has written “some of the most powerful, strongly worded dissents in Supreme Court history” and persevered through cancer treatments to maintain her place and her voice on the Court.
As the author concludes, “There can be just one verdict: Because she did not give up, because she refused to let other people define her limitations as a person, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has herself become a symbol of justice in America.”
Stacy Inneerst’s gouache and ink illustrations are humorous and frequently moving. Following the story, the author provides an extensive glossary as well as an enlightening author’s note.
Women employees are still fighting to be treated equal to men. But thanks to the tenacity of the Notorious R.B.G., aspiring young women have a leg up on previous generations and can more readily see the way up through the glass ceiling.
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
September 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book because it taught me about Ruth Bader Ginsburg than I had previously known as well as showed all the discrimination that she had to overcome. All I knew about RBG before this book was that she was a female Supreme Court justice, but I had never gotten any deeper than that. Children's books continue to surprise me each week with how much I am able to learn from them. Reading this book, it made me mad for RBG because of how she kept being looked over and discriminated against simply because she was a woman. Nevertheless, she persisted and continued to dedicate herself to her work which eventually paid off when she became a Supreme Court justice. Additionally, I think this book is important for children to read so they can understand how women used to be treated as well as be inspired to never give up and stand up for what you believe in.
November 14, 2017
I think this is a very clever way to tell RBG's story to kids -- by making her life and career one long "case" against inequality. Being female, and Jewish, she had two strikes against her from the start. But she also inherited some fierce determination and resilience from her mother, and Ruth's brilliance could not be denied. Even now she keeps fighting against a reactionary majority on the Supreme Court as well as the cancer that sidelined her briefly in 2009.
The book is also beautifully illustrated, with tiny Ruth marching through the obstacles of religious prejudice and sexism. She is dwarfed by the big men on the Court, but you can still feel her strength and courage.
A great nonfiction choice for kids, and a possible dark horse for the Caldecott Award.
The book is also beautifully illustrated, with tiny Ruth marching through the obstacles of religious prejudice and sexism. She is dwarfed by the big men on the Court, but you can still feel her strength and courage.
A great nonfiction choice for kids, and a possible dark horse for the Caldecott Award.
March 18, 2021
I loved this story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG). I really didn't know much about RBG when I started this. However, from reading it I can firmly say that RBG is a truly inspiring and strong woman. I think all elementary school students especially young girls should read this. The illustrations are beautifully done and very detailed to the story. Also, the book is kid-friendly because it includes a glossary at the end explaining some of the terms used. Ruth's story teaches students about determination and resilience even when faced with challenges. RBG's story will serve as an inspiration for women of all ages. This book is well-written and fits the justice system theme because the story is presented as a case trial. This book is definitely a must for my future personal bookshelf!
December 23, 2017
Excellent biography of the quietly determined Ginsburg who just kept pushing to do what she wanted to do despite constantly closing doors. Winter's text and Innerst's strong illustrations do an excellent job of presenting this truly remarkable woman to youngsters.
I especially like the structure of showing the many examples of the inequality she overcame as evidence in a court case.
The end papers are SO cool - I'd love to have a print of that ;-)
I especially like the structure of showing the many examples of the inequality she overcame as evidence in a court case.
The end papers are SO cool - I'd love to have a print of that ;-)
September 27, 2017
This is a lovely, inspiring look at a very strong individual. Readers of all ages will learn something and hopefully reflect on why we need people who dissent and question in our world. Just because it's the majority opinion doesn't always make it right!
December 27, 2017
This is quite the year for RBG biographies!
January 7, 2018
Don’t skip the author’s note in the back
January 16, 2018
A powerful look at the second female Supreme Court Justice ever appointed and the numerous obstacles she had to overcome to get there.
September 28, 2020
This biography about the great Ruth Bader Ginsburg who America tragically lost recently was an attention-grabbing read. The plotline is formatted like a law suit, including exhibits for evidence, introductions, and conclusions, which added to the overall creativity. As someone who didn't know too much about RBG, the book was highly informative and narrated fascinating stories from her life. RGB's journey to becoming a Supreme Court Justice was not an easy one. She was faced with societal pressures and both religious and gender discrimination. RBG persevered through the hurdles and to this day can be admired as one of the most impactful women in the U.S. law system. The story teaches determination, resilience, and social justice using the story of a woman who fought all odds to bring justice to the nation. The author and illustrator do a wonderful job designing the pictures and text in a way that complements and not distracts from one another. As captivating as RBG's story is, Stacy Innerst's watercolor art was just as interesting and exciting to see. In the end, the author even includes a glossary of common law terms as well as an author's note for an extended, more concise version of RBG's biography. I was left with bittersweet feelings knowing that the world has lost an amazing woman but inspired and hopeful that her victory in her fight for rights will forever be cherished!
October 12, 2020
This is another great 48-paged picture book and I really appreciated how it began like a court case: “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury: During this trial, you will learn about a little girl who had no clue just how important she would become. You will see the unfair world she was born into–where boys were valued more than girls, where women were not encouraged to achieve and aspire. You will see evidence of that unfairness, just as she herself has seen it all her life. Here are the fact of her case.” Isn’t that wonderful! Points of interest in this book:
*Ruth’s father owned a fur shop for many years and later worked at a clothing store.
Her father never finished high school.
*Ruth’s mother never went to college and she got a job to pay for her brother’s education. But she wanted a different life for Ruth.
*Ruth had many interests in high school, such as editing the newspaper, playing cello, twirling the baton, etc.
*One of her most famous quotes about her mother during her acceptance speech for the Supreme Court: “I pray that I may be all that she would have been had she lived in an age when women could aspire and achieve, and daughters are cherished as much as sons.”
The book concludes with a detailed 2-paged glossary and an Author’s Note with many more details about RBG’s life. The illustrations in this book were made with gouache, ink, and Photoshop.
*Ruth’s father owned a fur shop for many years and later worked at a clothing store.
Her father never finished high school.
*Ruth’s mother never went to college and she got a job to pay for her brother’s education. But she wanted a different life for Ruth.
*Ruth had many interests in high school, such as editing the newspaper, playing cello, twirling the baton, etc.
*One of her most famous quotes about her mother during her acceptance speech for the Supreme Court: “I pray that I may be all that she would have been had she lived in an age when women could aspire and achieve, and daughters are cherished as much as sons.”
The book concludes with a detailed 2-paged glossary and an Author’s Note with many more details about RBG’s life. The illustrations in this book were made with gouache, ink, and Photoshop.
September 28, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: The Case of R.B.G. vs. Inequality tells the amazing story of how RGB became the most well-known Supreme Court justices in American history. Jonah Winter details her journey from childhood to adulthood using words that would inspire anyone. Winter provides just enough detail throughout every step of RGB’s life to give the reader an idea of what she went through to get where she ended up. By showing the hardships she endured during her life, shows readers that no matter what life throws at you, there is more than likely a way of getting through it (but it is also worth mentioning that getting through these obstacles will not always be easy). Illustrator Stacy Innerst does an amazing job at depicting the RGB’s stories through her illustrations. By using soft lines and a mix of bold colors helps show how many people saw RGB-a small “fragile” woman with a desire to demand change. RGB was an inspiration to many and I feel as though her story should be shared with young students, no matter what gender because she helped to break the mold of gender stereotypes.
November 11, 2017
My favorite line in the book is actually from the author's note: "When asked how many women on the Supreme Court would 'be enough,' she responds: 'When there are nine.' YES!" The author and illustrator do thorough, informative work in distilling the essence of who Ruth Bader Ginsburg is: lawyer, mother, wife, daughter, legal scholar, justice, feminist, and "symbol of justice in America." This New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of 2017 is certain to inspire girls and women to overcome obstacles along the paths they want to pursue in life and career, just as Justice Ginsburg did. A wonderful summary of a productive, intelligent, dignified woman and role model.
April 5, 2018
This seemingly tiny woman is a powerhouse. I love hearing her speak when I see her on Facebook or on the tv. Smart, Fair. And, unfortunately getting older. Born in 1933, that makers her somewhere in her 84th year, and still going strong! Highly recommended to school age kids AND adults!
June 6, 2018
I saw the documentary RBG and am now kind of obsessed with her! Loved this kids biography. Interesting how they really have to explain that women didn't go to college or have jobs in the 40's & 50's because things are so different today (thank goodness!!).
October 12, 2020
So good! Well-written, moving biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It's very kid-friendly while also thought-provoking. I enjoyed this one! Jonah Winter has done a lot of biographies and I've read a few of them; he's definitely on my list.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews