Lovely One (Adapted for Young Adults)

Gr 8 Up–America’s first Black woman Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson, was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022. Justice Jackson writes a relatable and poignant story of the American dream, and a deeply personal memoir of never giving in to doubt or imposter syndrome. Jackson cultivates and models perseverance and the importance of working hard, gleaned while listening to her mother speak about not being devoured by the unfairness in life. Jackson is acutely aware of how her very presence negates what the Founding Fathers envisioned for the republic, yet she is conscious of standing on the shoulders of giants to pave the way for other successful women of color. This memoir is about a professional woman adapting her own family experiences to work tirelessly to help decide what is fair. The book is divided into two parts—Part One: Bringing the Gifts is about Jackson’s early years through law school, and Part Two: Grit and Grace concerns her professional career. Jackson excels at explaining concepts through stories, such as the Brule Lakota Sioux Crow Dog v. Spotted Tail case about fairness or the formative Guckenberger v. Boston University decision, which would have ramifications for her daughter. While Jackson is clear and succinct on the legal jargon, a glossary would be supportive for youths. Although this young readers’ version shortens the adult memoir, expanding on her high school debates and undergraduate theater would connect with teens. Mothers will relate to Jackson’s parenting struggles, but students would benefit from more elaboration on her experience with her daughters in school. As much as Jackson’s formative years are crucial to young people, readers will yearn for more legal and judicial stories.