Who Is Ketanji Brown Jackson?

Who Was . . . ? Series

by Shelia P. Moses, Who H.Q., Dede Putra (Illustrations)

Discover how a young girl who was the star of her school's debate team became a federal jurist and the first Black woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court.

Presenting Who HQ an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series!

Born in Washington, DC, in 1970, and raised in Miami, Florida, Ketanji Brown Jackson developed an interest in law and politics at an early age. As a preschooler, she sat with her father and watched him complete his law school assignments. And even though some people, including a school guidance counselor, discouraged Ketanji from aiming high, she proved them wrong and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. She went on to serve on the U.S. District Court in 2013 and the United States Court of Appeals in 2021 before making history and becoming the first Black woman to be confirmed to the United States Supreme Court in 2022.

Learn more about Ketanji Brown Jackson's story in this addition to the New York Times bestselling series.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Middle Grade, History, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Childrens

56 pages, Hardcover

Published November 29, 2022

About the author

Poet, author, playwright, and producer Shelia P. Moses was raised the ninth of ten children on Rehobeth Road in Rich Square, North Carolina. She is the co-author of Dick Gregory's memoir, Callus on My Soul, as well as the award-winning author of several books for young readers. Shelia lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d be crazy to think this book was all encompassing of Supreme Court Justice KBJ; I expected an intro of this great and that’s what I got. 💚💚💚 thanks to the Author as WE need more of these books for our children to read and own!!!

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This gets the job done. This nonfiction series used to be much better than this quickly turned out title! The information is all age appropriate and good but certainly not terrifically interesting. Use until a better middle grade book comes along.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't able to finish Lovely One before it was due back at the library. So while I wait on the list again, I figured why not take a look at this children's book about Justice Brown Jackson. Although written for grade schoolers, I really enjoyed it. It doesn't go into the same depth as Lovely One. Still I enjoyed the overview & think it's worthy read, particularly if you have some grade schoolers to gift it to.

[Jane Healy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelia P. Moses' book is a great overview of Jackson's life and rise to Supreme Court justice for ages 8-12, their parents, and teachers. Dede Putra's accurate line drawings based on photographs enhance the text. Readers learn that Jackson had a supportive family that served as role models in goal setting and achievement. Her father's law studies when Jackson was a small girl led Jackson to desire a law degree for herself. In school, Jackson excelled in academics, debate, and theater. Even so, she was faced with challenges, some personal and some societal. Throughout her school, university, and professional career, she stood up for human rights and tried to influence change. The author defines potentionaly unfamiliar words--"improvisation" and "crochet," for example--within the text, and includes timelines and a bibliography as back matter. Jackson is an important figure in US history, and this book will inspire young readers to set and reach their own goals.

I received this book from the author in an online book giveaway.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Supreme Court is the highest court in America. It decides whether new laws agree..."

"The Supreme Court is the highest court in America. It decides whether new laws agree with the United States Constitution,..."

This quick read offers a nice introduction to the life of Ketanji Brown Jackson, highlighting her educational journey, as well as her career path.

I find it interesting that she participated in both debate as well as drama in school, as both would help a person become comfortable speaking in front of others, gain self-confidence, and help them with presenting their ideas to others in adulthood.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief and informative, this mini-biography gives basic insights into Ketnji Brown Jackson’s background and life. Written in simple language, it makes the footsteps of a contemporary Supreme Court justice relatable (especially for young readers). Challenges to her progress shows how perseverance and standing up for what is right can be rewarding. This book would make a great addition to any school library and has plenty of reread value.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My students love the "Who is" series and I wanted to check out a new entry. A brief introduction to Justice Jackson, and the road she took to the Supreme Court. Learned a few new facts, and look forward to her impact.

[Shari (Shira) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "Who is (was)" series is one of the best children's biography collections. They did not let me down on Ketanji Brown Jackson. I have only one criticism. The book did not address how the republicans treated her during her confirmation hearings.

[Graemme Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting and well-written. I haven't read many in this series, but I enjoyed the way the bio of this person was explained for school age children. Also her life is very inspiring for young people.

[Wendy Kennar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, but brief, introduction to our newest Supreme Court Justice. Though it left my son and I wanting to learn more.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is so little to this book. I’m sure she has had many other accomplishments; why were they left out?

[Tam Newell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super short biography about the first African American female on the US Supreme Court

[Shelby]

no opinion

[Arjun Manoj · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was exciting to learn about this great trailblazer!

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A succinct and clear introduction to the Supreme Court Justice.

[Angela Juline · Rating 5 out of 5]

It'll be interesting how many students read this series (shorter than the original Who Is/Who Was) - I swear I read it in 10 minutes and still learned a lot!

[April Grob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that it was informational and left the opinions of the author out of the book. Definitely recommend for school book shelves.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great bio for kids. Enjoyed learning about Justice Ketanji Jackson's life journey to being a member of the highest court in our country.

[Nicole Feli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmm felt there were a lot of rando unimportant facts in here and glossed over the career changes but 4/5 for being a working BADDIE

[Jj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Penguin Young Readers for the review copy!