The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a “trailblazer in American history.” She became the second woman to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States and demonstrated that anyone, especially young girls, can attain influential positions through hard work and perseverance. As a leader, lawyer, and judge, she fought for justice and equal rights for all people, pushing for laws that called for fairness and equality in the workplace and society. To this day, her legacy is a testament to her determination for equal opportunities for men and women. However, Ginsburg’s journey to the Supreme Court wasn’t easy, and she had to overcome many difficulties in her studies and workplace. 

Born in 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, Ginsburg was an intelligent and observant girl. Although she loved to read and write, she wasn’t happy with the small injustices in her childhood, such as the girls not having as “many choices and opportunities as the boys had at school.” These inequalities continued to build as Ginsburg continued her studies, and she feared that her dream of law school would dissolve because she was a woman and not a man. Could Ginsburg still achieve her dream of becoming a lawyer and judge despite the gender discrimination? 

The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg tells the biographical story of Ginsburg’s life as an advocate for equal rights and gender equality. Told from the perspective of an outside narrator, the book follows Ginsburg’s life, beginning with her childhood frustration at her school’s gender injustices and ending with her world-changing work as a judge for the Supreme Court. Ginsburg is depicted as an inspirational character whose determination for equality in society is admirable and influential. Although not all readers will be able to relate to the gender discrimination that Ginsburg felt, they will understand the impact that inequality had on Ginsburg’s rise to becoming a judge. The book takes on an authentic and realistic feel by incorporating these highs and lows in Ginsburg’s life. 

The biography presents a positive outlook on the themes of determination and perseverance. Despite society’s implicit discrimination toward women, Ginsburg’s determination to fight for justice and equality highlights the book’s message about fighting fearlessly for what you believe in. It teaches that justice requires hard work, determination, and perseverance and challenges readers to uphold what’s right despite opposition. After all, Ginsburg’s life teaches others to “fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” 

The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is part of a series called Story Of: A Biography for New Readers. The book is educationally oriented and includes supplementary material, such as fun facts, a reading quiz, and a glossary. Cartoonish, colorful illustrations are found every one to three pages. The end of the book contains real-life photographs of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and some discussion questions such as, “How has Ruth’s work made a difference in your life or the lives of the women in your world?” Although the text does feature larger paragraphs and complex judicial terminology that can be challenging for younger readers, The Story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a captivating tale that teaches readers the importance of justice and equal rights. 

Sexual Content 

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Violence 

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Drugs and Alcohol 

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Language 

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Supernatural 

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Spiritual Content 

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