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Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a trailblazer. A fighter. And a public servant who has dedicated her life to the pursuit of equality.
When Ruth was a young girl, her mother encouraged her to read, be independent, and stand up for what she thought was right. Ruth graduated first in her class at Cornell University and tied for top of her graduating class at Columbia Law School. But she faced prejudice as both a woman and a Jew, making it difficult to get a job. Ruth eventually found work as a law clerk, and her determination, diligence, and skill led to a distinguished career as a lawyer. In 1993, she became the second woman ever appointed to the United States Supreme Court. As a Supreme Court justice, Ruth has inspired fierce admiration and faced fervent opposition for her judgments in high-profile cases, many of which have involved discrimination. She has been lauded for her sharp wit and boldness, even when her opinions differ from that of the majority.
As a student, teacher, lawyer, and judge, Ruth often experienced unfair treatment. But she persisted, becoming a cultural icon, championing equality in pay and opportunity. Her brilliant mind, compelling arguments, and staunch commitment to truth and justice have convinced many to stand with her, and her fight continues to this day.
This installment of the award-winning Big Words series brings a legendary figure into focus with Doreen Rappaport's incisive prose combined with Ruth's own words. Eric Velasquez's dynamic illustrations infuse every scene with life in a moving tribute that will inspire young justice seekers everywhere.
When Ruth was a young girl, her mother encouraged her to read, be independent, and stand up for what she thought was right. Ruth graduated first in her class at Cornell University and tied for top of her graduating class at Columbia Law School. But she faced prejudice as both a woman and a Jew, making it difficult to get a job. Ruth eventually found work as a law clerk, and her determination, diligence, and skill led to a distinguished career as a lawyer. In 1993, she became the second woman ever appointed to the United States Supreme Court. As a Supreme Court justice, Ruth has inspired fierce admiration and faced fervent opposition for her judgments in high-profile cases, many of which have involved discrimination. She has been lauded for her sharp wit and boldness, even when her opinions differ from that of the majority.
As a student, teacher, lawyer, and judge, Ruth often experienced unfair treatment. But she persisted, becoming a cultural icon, championing equality in pay and opportunity. Her brilliant mind, compelling arguments, and staunch commitment to truth and justice have convinced many to stand with her, and her fight continues to this day.
This installment of the award-winning Big Words series brings a legendary figure into focus with Doreen Rappaport's incisive prose combined with Ruth's own words. Eric Velasquez's dynamic illustrations infuse every scene with life in a moving tribute that will inspire young justice seekers everywhere.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published February 11, 2020
1 person is currently reading
156 people want to read
About the author
Doreen Rappaport
61 books77 followersDoreen Rappaport has written many books of fiction and nonfiction for young readers, specializing in thoroughly researched multicultural history, historical fiction, retellings of folktales and myths, and stories of those she calls the "not-yet-celebrated." Among her recent books is Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrated by Bryan Collier, which received a Caldecott Honor Award and a Coretta Scott King Honor Award for illustration. Doreen Rappaport divides her time between New York City and a rural village in upstate New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 5, 2020
This is an enlightening and inspiring biography with lovely, realistic illustrations. It's very readable and we learn how, from a young age, RBG objected to the idea that women were inferior to men.
October 12, 2020
This picture book was another 2020 publication that I was delighted to find catalogued in our college library. The artwork is STUNNING with sometimes more than one very detailed illustration spread across two pages. I wish I could share more than one image of this book on my blog, just to showcase more (but fair use)!
There’s a surprising amount of text on each page, which I was happy to see because it added to my understanding of RBG’s life experiences. While the beginning of the book shared details about her childhood, schooling, and marriage, a good half of this book was devoted to sharing very interesting court cases she argued (and mostly won). Quotes were set aside in bold text, as well. The back matter includes a timeline of important dates, an authors’ note, an illustrator’s note, and a selected bibliography.
There’s a surprising amount of text on each page, which I was happy to see because it added to my understanding of RBG’s life experiences. While the beginning of the book shared details about her childhood, schooling, and marriage, a good half of this book was devoted to sharing very interesting court cases she argued (and mostly won). Quotes were set aside in bold text, as well. The back matter includes a timeline of important dates, an authors’ note, an illustrator’s note, and a selected bibliography.
September 25, 2020
I read "I Dissent" and "The Case of R.G.B. Against Inequality" to students this week, and now after reading this one, I prefer it to the other two. It has the most information about specific cases, which I think illustrates Ginsburg's importance more clearly.
February 2, 2021
Well written biography! I enjoyed learning more about Ruth, her childhood and her amazing story. A perfect blend of illustrations and facts for students.
February 8, 2020
What I Loved:
Wow! Can we just talk about the cover for a minute? The illustrated cover of Ruth Objects is a sneak peek of the amazing illustrations inside. This cover is so powerful, the title isn’t even on it! The artwork is doing all the work and it is perfect. What an amazing job illustrator Eric Velasquez did on this book. He doesn’t stop there with many more beautifully created images inside the cover.
How I Felt:
Ruth Objects is a biographical book on Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The story is structured in chronological order of Ruth’s life making it an easy-to-follow story for young readers. The book is filled with quotes from Ruth and more of that amazing artwork by Eric Velasquez.
Doreen Rappaport has done an excellent job of telling Ruth’s story to a young reader. She writes about Ruth’s challenges with the loss of her mother, being a woman in the workforce, equal pay struggles, and so much more. Her achievements are not forgotten either. Becoming the second woman to ever be appointed to the United States Supreme Court is such an inspiring and amazing accomplishment. I appreciate that this book can help a young person read about someone they can look up to.
Overall, this is an impactful story of Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life thus-far. It is filled with wonderful quotes from Ruth and amazing illustrations to make each page worth devouring. You’ll enjoy reading this as much as your little one.
To Read or Not To Read:
This is a great book is targeted for an 6+ audience and I think that is just right. While the pages are not crammed with text, what is on each page is though-provoking and will lead to a good discussion for a child of this age. An excellent book for schools, libraries, and the home.
I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book for free. I am leaving this honest, unbiased review voluntarily.
My review of this book will post to my blog on 2/13/20. All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
Wow! Can we just talk about the cover for a minute? The illustrated cover of Ruth Objects is a sneak peek of the amazing illustrations inside. This cover is so powerful, the title isn’t even on it! The artwork is doing all the work and it is perfect. What an amazing job illustrator Eric Velasquez did on this book. He doesn’t stop there with many more beautifully created images inside the cover.
How I Felt:
Ruth Objects is a biographical book on Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The story is structured in chronological order of Ruth’s life making it an easy-to-follow story for young readers. The book is filled with quotes from Ruth and more of that amazing artwork by Eric Velasquez.
Doreen Rappaport has done an excellent job of telling Ruth’s story to a young reader. She writes about Ruth’s challenges with the loss of her mother, being a woman in the workforce, equal pay struggles, and so much more. Her achievements are not forgotten either. Becoming the second woman to ever be appointed to the United States Supreme Court is such an inspiring and amazing accomplishment. I appreciate that this book can help a young person read about someone they can look up to.
Overall, this is an impactful story of Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life thus-far. It is filled with wonderful quotes from Ruth and amazing illustrations to make each page worth devouring. You’ll enjoy reading this as much as your little one.
To Read or Not To Read:
This is a great book is targeted for an 6+ audience and I think that is just right. While the pages are not crammed with text, what is on each page is though-provoking and will lead to a good discussion for a child of this age. An excellent book for schools, libraries, and the home.
I was provided an advanced reader’s copy of this book for free. I am leaving this honest, unbiased review voluntarily.
My review of this book will post to my blog on 2/13/20. All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
September 26, 2020
Peace Be Upon Her.
Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a children's picture book written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Eric Velásquez. It is a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who witnessed and experienced discrimination, both subtle and overt, that profoundly affected her choices and the direction her life would take.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. She was nominated by President Bill Clinton and was generally viewed as a moderate judge who was a consensus builder at the time of her nomination.
Rappaport's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Rappaport uses quotations that appear on each spread, which brings Ginsberg's own voice to her story. Backmatter includes a timeline, author and illustrator notes, and a selected bibliography. Velasquez creates pared-down compositions that immediately draw readers into Ginsberg's facial expressions and emotions.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. This biography traces the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg rather well. Ginsburg rebuffs mid-20th-century social norms, becoming a spouse and parent while breaking ground as a female law student, professor, lawyer, and, eventually, the second woman justice on the Supreme Court. The concise narrative weaves in five of Ginsburg's landmark court cases, in which she champions women’s rights and gender parity.
All in all, Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an insightful and fascinating examination of Ginsburg as woman and jurist.
Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a children's picture book written by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Eric Velásquez. It is a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who witnessed and experienced discrimination, both subtle and overt, that profoundly affected her choices and the direction her life would take.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. She was nominated by President Bill Clinton and was generally viewed as a moderate judge who was a consensus builder at the time of her nomination.
Rappaport's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Rappaport uses quotations that appear on each spread, which brings Ginsberg's own voice to her story. Backmatter includes a timeline, author and illustrator notes, and a selected bibliography. Velasquez creates pared-down compositions that immediately draw readers into Ginsberg's facial expressions and emotions.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. This biography traces the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg rather well. Ginsburg rebuffs mid-20th-century social norms, becoming a spouse and parent while breaking ground as a female law student, professor, lawyer, and, eventually, the second woman justice on the Supreme Court. The concise narrative weaves in five of Ginsburg's landmark court cases, in which she champions women’s rights and gender parity.
All in all, Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is an insightful and fascinating examination of Ginsburg as woman and jurist.
February 7, 2020
The arresting cover art is an emblem for what this picture book biography delivers: the image of a woman who has fought her whole professional life to make the beginning words of the U. S. Constitution - "We the people..." - truly encompass all its citizens. This book checks all of the boxes for demonstrating the challenges and achievements of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. From her mother's death as she graduated from high school, her challenges as a woman (and a married one at that) at law school, as well as being Jewish in a time of quotas, her challenges were numerous. Her successes are put into context with the times. I love the relevant quotations from Ginsburg appearing on every page opening, adding a feel of immediacy. Detailed information about her life is transmitted through the matter of fact text, with the illustrations given a lot of space for adding a flavor of the subject. Back matter comprises useful information for reports, and includes a timeline, author's and illustrator's notes, bibliography and source notes.
The book presents information suited for 8 year olds and up in a picture book format, which may be off-putting to the target audience.
The book presents information suited for 8 year olds and up in a picture book format, which may be off-putting to the target audience.
July 7, 2020
There are those who see injustice and speak out loud about it. There are those who see injustice, speak out loud about it, and take action to correct it. There are a select few among us who see injustice, speak out loud about it, take action to correct it, and devote their entire lives to inequities.
At eighty-seven years old, there is a woman, currently sitting on the Supreme Court who is one of these people. In her twenty-seven years of service to our Constitution and laws, her voice has not wavered. Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Disney Hyperion, February 11, 2020) written by Doreen Rappaport with illustrations by Eric Velasquez is a memorable portrait in words and images of a remarkable woman.
full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...
March 25, 2021
Ruth Bader Ginsberg grew up reading about strong women like Jo March and Nancy Drew. She decided in college that going into law was a good thing because she could help people. Even getting through college was difficult because there were so few women enrolled in law school, and the university had different rules for men than for women. She challenged laws that treated women unequally, and even argued before the US Supreme Court. She fought against injustice wherever she saw it, eventually serving as a Supreme Court Justice herself.
Rappaport's biographies are so well done. I especially love the brilliant illustrations by Eric Velasquez. Although there is a lot out there about Judge Ginsberg, this picture book biography is perfect for the upper elementary or middle school reader.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Rappaport's biographies are so well done. I especially love the brilliant illustrations by Eric Velasquez. Although there is a lot out there about Judge Ginsberg, this picture book biography is perfect for the upper elementary or middle school reader.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
April 25, 2023
I might have rated this higher had I not previously read I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark, which I found vastly superior (and is, indeed, one of my very favorite picture book biographies). I feel Rappaport's book is more informational and detached in tone (whereas "I Dissent" is not only educational but also really gives a sense of RBG's personality) and I also wish that more emphasis had been given RBG's friendship with those with whom disagreed politically, most especially Antonin Scalia. Here you get the impression that it was only when other women were appointed that she had any positive relationships in the Supreme Court.
August 25, 2020
I found what appeared to be formatting error with one of the page spreads (the one where child Ruth is holding a stack of books), but overall stunning illustrations. Font choice and layout is very compelling. Chronological format of Ruth’s story is very effective. Taken aback by parts of the story - like when Ruth is demoted and asked to leave her government job because of pregnancy. The prose was clunky with an extra “and” here or there, but otherwise seamless. I was left with questions: who took care of her kids when she was so busy? Very lifelike illustrations. Pictures bring story and legal cases to life. I was confused by the text on the Lilly Ledbetter page re: 180 days. Excellent selection of quotes, chronology and creators’ notes.
November 15, 2020
Biography of Ginsberg that includes life events (her mother, her husband) but really concentrates on her legal work and influence. The illustrations are portraits -- painterly? So somewhat static but with deep colors that make them interesting.
It's a bit text heavy for the pictures, but a good reader should be able to keep the kid or kids involved in the book enough to handle it. Each page has a pull out quote in a larger font that inspires the illustration (or illustrations -- some pages are a collection of pictures).
Back matter includes important dates and the author and illustrator's thoughts on the book. There's a bibliography a some books for further reading, and source notes for the quotations.
It's a bit text heavy for the pictures, but a good reader should be able to keep the kid or kids involved in the book enough to handle it. Each page has a pull out quote in a larger font that inspires the illustration (or illustrations -- some pages are a collection of pictures).
Back matter includes important dates and the author and illustrator's thoughts on the book. There's a bibliography a some books for further reading, and source notes for the quotations.
September 15, 2022
Beautifully illustrated book on the life and work of Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg. The author tells her life's journey and details her major cases. There is a timeline at the end that fills in the rest of her life's details. There is also an author and illustrator note that will give a reader background information on the motivations and efforts of the creators of this book. There is also a list of resources. This book could definitely be used for a report for a student or to introduce or support a unit on famous American women by a teacher. Well-written with supporting illustrations. Highly recommended for Grades 4-5 and up.
January 15, 2020
An excellent overview of the life so far of Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Rappaport structures the book chronologically, hitting the pivotal points in Ginsburg's life and career. Punctuating the story are quotes from Ginsburg herself.
Eric Velasquez's powerful illustration are a true high point of the book and the cover itself is a statement. Featuring a striking portrait of Ginsburg look out, the cover has no title and needs none.
Extensive back matter includes a list of important dates, an Author and Illustrator's Notes and a selected bibliography. I think this excellent book is best used with middle grade and middle school readers.
Eric Velasquez's powerful illustration are a true high point of the book and the cover itself is a statement. Featuring a striking portrait of Ginsburg look out, the cover has no title and needs none.
Extensive back matter includes a list of important dates, an Author and Illustrator's Notes and a selected bibliography. I think this excellent book is best used with middle grade and middle school readers.
September 30, 2020
I really like this biography and all the details, especially on cases that RBG worked on as a trial lawyer. It also presents a picture of her and her husband as loving partners who worked together for the good of the family.
I find the title weird -- not that "Ruth Objects" is a bad title for a book about RBG, but that it really doesn't go with the text so much. "Ruth objected" was used once in the entire book. It feels more like a story of RBG standing up for women (and men) who were treated wrongly because of their gender.
Text covers the period to 2010.
I find the title weird -- not that "Ruth Objects" is a bad title for a book about RBG, but that it really doesn't go with the text so much. "Ruth objected" was used once in the entire book. It feels more like a story of RBG standing up for women (and men) who were treated wrongly because of their gender.
Text covers the period to 2010.
January 8, 2021
Read for book club discussion on the Notorious RBG. Learned a little more about this fantastic woman.
Love some of her statements "Anger, resentment, indulgence" waste your time and sap your energy. And yet she has become known as a great dissenter as she learned "how do choose when to get angry and when to pick another battle" Ruth believed that women should be able to pursue all opportunities if qualified. Ah to be qualified.
Love some of her statements "Anger, resentment, indulgence" waste your time and sap your energy. And yet she has become known as a great dissenter as she learned "how do choose when to get angry and when to pick another battle" Ruth believed that women should be able to pursue all opportunities if qualified. Ah to be qualified.
November 15, 2019
An easy to read and understand book about The Honorable Judge Ginsburg. I feel this give a great overview for any one interested in the Supreme Court and what RBG accomplished prior to being selected for this nations highest court. It will give readers the thirst to find out more. I really liked the illustrations as well as the use of quotes by RBG. Highly recommend
October 21, 2020
As a student, teacher, lawyer, and judge, Ruth often experienced unfair treatment. But she persisted, becoming a cultural icon, championing equality in pay and opportunity. Her brilliant mind, compelling arguments, and staunch commitment to truth and justice have convinced many to stand with her, and her fight continues to this day.
Read
November 27, 2020Explore the world of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: from her mother encouraging her to read as a child to Ginsburg battling sexism and oppression in college, law school, and beyond as a professor, lawyer, and judge. Beautiful illustrations by Eric Velasquez frame Ginsburg's story, peppered with quotes from throughout her life.
June 9, 2022
"I'm a very strong believer in listening and learning from others."
Striking illustrations accompany this solid picture book biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg which also includes a relevant Ginsburg quote on every page.
Includes an author's note, a list of important dates, a selected bibliography and source notes.
Striking illustrations accompany this solid picture book biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg which also includes a relevant Ginsburg quote on every page.
Includes an author's note, a list of important dates, a selected bibliography and source notes.
April 13, 2020
There were parts of this book that didn’t seem to flow totally smoothly to me, and I didn’t love the illustrations, but I especially liked that it included the details of some of the sex equality cases argued and heard by RBG.
Read
August 4, 2020There is no such thing as too many picture book biographies of RBG. Even though I use Debbie Levy's I Dissent as a mentor text in my sixth grade picture book biography unit, I will be adding this striking edition. I am eager to hear what my students have to say.
September 27, 2020
A beautifully illustrated amuse-bouche to the life and times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Wonderful book for children and families, and for the well-read crowd, it whets the appetite for the in-depth portrayals and biographies. RIP RBG, you have left a legacy of open doors.
October 20, 2020
There is a lot of interesting information in this book and for the most part it was quite readable. There were occasionally weird sentence structures and sometimes it seemed to jump around at page turns.
January 29, 2022
A well written and informative biography. I like how quotes from Ruth Bader Ginsberg are interwoven throughout the text. The illustrations are very well done, but I would have liked to see some photos included.
June 21, 2023
Well done. Story of RBG from childhood til death.
Criteria
Timeline: yes
Author's Note:yes
Primary Source/Summary of Source: yes
Text Level- good for MS
Quotes: yes
Topics: biography, picture book, narrative style
*YES
RS-YES
Criteria
Timeline: yes
Author's Note:yes
Primary Source/Summary of Source: yes
Text Level- good for MS
Quotes: yes
Topics: biography, picture book, narrative style
*YES
RS-YES
September 13, 2023
What an inspiration she is! Made me feel so grateful for women, like her, who have made life easier for us women today. Hats off to trailblazers who took the road less traveled and cleared the path for us.
February 11, 2020
Beautiful illustrations. My favorite kid's bio of RBG to date!
February 13, 2020
Just beautiful. And I learned so much!!
May 15, 2020
engaging and informative!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews