Becoming RBG

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Journey to Justice is the biography of U. S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  It covers her life from birth to the present day.  It was written for middle schoolers who might not be familiar with the judicial system.  Terms such as "federal government" are explained as well as what famous politicians such as McCarthy were known for.  Author Debby Levy goes into detail on the cases that RBG brought in to the courts that advanced women's rights while she was a practicing attorney.  Levy also gives details on cases that RBG decided while she was a federal district court judge.  RBG's plan to advance civil rights step by step is shown in both her life as an attorney, district court judges as well as while  she has been on the Supreme Court.

I found the book engaging.  I read it in one sitting and even enjoyed the illustrations drawn by Whitney Gardner.  Initially, I was surprised at the detail RBG's court cases were given.  However, I quickly realized that any book on RBG would have to explain why she tried certain cases over others and what she hoped to accomplish with each legal opinion that was written on her cases.  RBG's life can only be told by examining her work.  The need for women to work is something that her mother instilled in her when she was a child. She has carried her mother's work ethic with her throughout her life.

I definitely recommend this book for female readers young and old.  As the old saying goes, "we've come a long way baby" and we have RBG to thank for that progress.  5 out of 5 stars!