Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 04/15/2023 The daughter of former sharecroppers, Ketanji Brown Jackson decided to become a lawyer as a child, watching her father study for his law degree. In high school, she became a student government leader. Although her guidance counselor warned her against aiming too high, she applied to Harvard, where she excelled as an undergraduate, and she stayed to earn her law degree as well. She married a former classmate, and they have two daughters. As a lawyer, Jackson worked in many roles, including public defender, before becoming a federal judge in 2012. Ten years later, the U.S. Senate confirmed her nomination as a Supreme Court justice. Magoon and Freeman, who previously wrote and illustrated The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall’s Life, Leadership, and Legacy (2021), have a good sense of what will interest their audience and what they should know about her. With an informative text and a series of striking digital illustrations, this picture-book biography offers an appealing introduction to Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman ever to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. - Copyright 2023 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 05/01/2023 Gr 1–3—Ketanji Brown Jackson made history as the first Black woman nominated—and then confirmed—to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. Coretta Scott King Honor winners Magoon and Freeman tell Jackson's story in this stirring picture book biography, introducing readers to Jackson, whose drive and determination to succeed took her from a childhood steeped in warmth, African culture, and activism, to Harvard Law School and all the way to her current seat. Never afraid to confront racism, Jackson protested a Confederate flag on campus and the obvious dearth of Black teachers. Magoon makes Jackson relatable to readers by highlighting her improv work and her daughter's letter to President Obama, asking him to consider her mother when filling Justice Scalia's seat. The straightforward narrative is uncluttered and easy to read for newly confident readers; Freeman's illustrations will keep emerging readers focused during a read-aloud. Vibrant scenes create texture and warmth in beautiful portraits of Jackson and her family. Comprehensive back matter includes an author's note, glossary, time line, bibliography, and further resources. VERDICT An excellent choice for picture book biography collections.—Rosemary Kiladitis - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.