All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson
What’s inside...
A picture book biography that tells the story of Ketanji Brown Jackson, a young African American girl who grows up to become a successful lawyer and judge. The book follows Ketanji's journey from her childhood in Miami, where she was raised by her parents who emphasized the importance of education and hard work, to her time at Harvard Law School and eventually becoming a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals. The book highlights Ketanji's determination, perseverance, and passion for justice, and encourages young readers to pursue their own dreams and goals. The book also includes historical context and back matter with additional information about Ketanji's life and career. CHILDREN'S LITERATURE LEGACY AWARD WINNER • Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, is an inspiration and role model to children of all ages. Award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford tells her story of perseverance, dignity, and honor in this uplifting picture book biography filled with colorful and dynamic illustrations from Ashley Evans. Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, is an inspiration and role model to children of all ages. Award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford tells her story of perseverance, dignity, and honor in this uplifting picture book biography filled with colorful and dynamic illustrations from Ashley Evans. Whatever she did, wherever she was, Ketanji Brown Jackson rose to the top. From the time their daughter was born, Ketanji Brown’s parents taught her that if she worked hard and believed in herself, she could do anything. As a child, Ketanji focused on her studies and excelled, eventually graduating from Harvard Law School. Years later, in 2016, when she was a federal judge, a seat opened on the United States Supreme Court. In a letter to then-President Barack Obama, Leila Jackson made a case for her mother—Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Although the timing didn’t work out then, it did in 2022, when President Joe Biden nominated her. At her confirmation, Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black female Supreme Court justice in the United States. Lyrical text by renowned author Carole Boston Weatherford and evocative illustrations by Ashley Evans combine to make this an inspirational and timely read.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Ketanji Brown Jackson face and how did she overcome them?
Why is it important to have diverse voices and perspectives in positions like the Supreme Court?
How does Ketanji Brown Jackson’s story inspire you in your own life?
What qualities do you think make a good leader or judge, based on Ketanji’s story?
How can we support and encourage people from different backgrounds to achieve their dreams like Ketanji did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their own experiences and Ketanji’s challenges and triumphs, fostering a deeper personal connection with the story.
Discuss the historical and social context of Ketanji Brown Jackson's ascent to the Supreme Court to provide a broader understanding of her achievements.
Ask your child what qualities they admire in Ketanji Brown Jackson, and discuss how they can develop similar attributes in their own lives.
Use examples from current events or familiar scenarios to illustrate the importance of diverse leadership roles, making the conversation more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to achievement
Explanation: The story follows Ketanji Brown Jackson's journey from her early education to becoming a Supreme Court Justice, emphasizing her hard work and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to apply consistent effort in their studies and extracurricular activities, understanding that perseverance is key to accomplishing significant goals.
Example Lesson: The importance of education
Explanation: Ketanji’s story highlights her academic pursuits and how her educational achievements opened doors to prestigious opportunities.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to value and take their education seriously, seeing it as a foundation for future success.
Example Lesson: Equality and justice
Explanation: Throughout her career, Ketanji Brown Jackson worked towards upholding the law and ensuring justice, which reflects her commitment to equality.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of fairness and can be encouraged to treat everyone equally, regardless of background or differences.
Example Lesson: Role models can inspire
Explanation: Ketanji's ascension to the Supreme Court serves as an empowering example, particularly for young girls and children of color.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to draw inspiration from influential figures in society, understanding that they too can achieve great things regardless of their gender or race.