The Story of Thurgood Marshall: Justice for All

Bibliographic information: 

Arthur, Joe.  The Story of Thurgood Marshall: Justice for All.  Yearling Book, 1995, p.  108. 

Brief plot description:

How would you feel if you were growing up in a racist world?  Thurgood faced just that, he grew up in Maryland during the 1920’s where segregation was common.  Thurgood was brought up to fight when someone called him a bad name, and that is what Thurgood did one day.  This was not the first time that a Marshall had stood up for their rights.  His grandfather caused trouble for his master while his grandmother led a sit down strike.  It was Thurgood’s father that influenced him into being a lawyer.  He went to Howard University in Washington, D.C. where he graduated with honors.  Thurgood started his own practice in Baltimore and never turned down a case no matter how much money he was losing and then he was asked to be the NAACP assistant special counsel.  What else would Thurgood do in his life?

Brief review:

I liked this book because it gave a story of a great man that helped redefine the school system and because it gave examples of other African Americans that tried to bring equality to their race.  I think that this book could be used in fifth through seventh grade.  The book could be used during Black History Month, when discussing the law or constitution, or when talking about great leaders in U.S. history.  I believe that the main idea that children should get from this book is that discrimination of any form is wrong and that one should stand up for their rights. 

Genre label:

Biography

Reading level/interest level:

5^th- 7^th grade

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Thurgood Marshall, Champion of Justice by G. S. Prentzas

Thurgood Marshall: Champion for Civil Rights by Wil Mara