Ketanji Brown Jackson: A Justice for All
What’s inside...
A biographical picture book that tells the story of Ketanji Brown Jackson, a young girl who grew up to become the first African American woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. 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 public service, to her time at Harvard Law School and her subsequent career as a lawyer and judge. The book highlights Ketanji's commitment to justice and her determination to make a difference in the world, and encourages young readers to follow their own dreams and pursue their passions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Ketanji Brown Jackson face to become a Supreme Court Justice, and how did she overcome them?
Why is representation in roles like the Supreme Court important?
How can Ketanji Brown Jackson's story inspire us to pursue our goals?
What qualities do you think make a good justice, and do you see those in Ketanji Brown Jackson?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a brief overview of what the Supreme Court does and why it’s important. This sets the stage for understanding Ketanji Brown Jackson's role.
Relate the struggles and achievements of Ketanji Brown Jackson to challenges your child faces in their everyday life, fostering a personal connection to the story.
Encourage your child to think about how they can make a difference in their own community, drawing inspiration from Ketanji Brown Jackson’s accomplishments.
After discussing a question, share your own thoughts to model thoughtful engagement and show that learning is a continuous, shared process.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence leads to success
Explanation: The book narrates Ketanji Brown Jackson's journey to becoming a Supreme Court Justice, emphasizing her dedication and hard work.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to consistently work towards their goals, understanding that success often requires persistent effort.
Example Lesson: Importance of fairness and equality
Explanation: Jackson's career and rulings are highlighted, reflecting her commitment to justice and equality.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to treat everyone equally, regardless of their background, and understand the importance of fairness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of education
Explanation: The story covers how Jackson's educational background and her passion for learning shaped her career.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value and pursue their own education, recognizing it as a foundation for future success.
Example Lesson: Overcoming barriers
Explanation: Jackson's challenges in her career path, particularly as an African-American woman in law, are discussed.
Real-World Application: This teaches children resilience and courage to overcome obstacles they might face due to gender or race.