The Highest Tribute: Thurgood Marshall's Life, Leadership, and Legacy

Magoon and Freeman team up to present this overview of the life of Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, covering his early-20th-century childhood in segregated Baltimore, his persistent fight against segregation, his initiation as the first Black member of the Supreme Court in 1967, and his death in 1993. Magoon employs a measured tone throughout, emphasizing Marshall's concern with fairness alongside plenty of biographical details, including his two marriages, the second of which defied anti-miscegenation laws. Freeman's layered digital illustrations enrich the narrative. One memorable spread shows a subtly hued time-lapse of Marshall presenting "seven important cases before the Supreme Court," which centers Marshall by depicting the court from behind a row of unidentifiable seated white men. Compelling paragraphs make this an appealing read about a Black figure who had a large and lasting impact on U.S. law. Back matter contains a timeline, major court cases, further reading, and a bibliography. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)

Gr 1-4--Explaining court cases and constitutional law to children can be a daunting task, but this title effectively describes Thurgood Marshall's accomplishments. Freeman's digital illustrations feature lifelike images and bold symbols to create beautiful collages that represent important topics and themes. Details from Marshall's childhood, including discussions at the dinner table about segregation and unfair laws, demonstrate the start of his journey. Attending Lincoln University and Howard University Law School, both historically Black universities, prepared Marshall for his life's work. It also propelled him to try to change laws that limited Black people's choices. Throughout his academic and professional career, Marshall faced a series of challenges from people who sought to restrict others' rights. Marshall argued and won seven cases before the Supreme Court, including Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka. His work as an appellate judge and U.S. solicitor general affirmed his legal capabilities and led to his appointment as the first Black person to serve on the Supreme Court. The narrative features some information about his personal life, such as his first wife's death from cancer and his second marriage to a Filipina woman, which was controversial at the time because interracial marriage was still illegal in some states. This title uses a different tone and covers different events than Marshall, Jonah Winter and Bryan Collier's 2019 picture book biography. Both provide worthwhile examinations of Marshall's legacy. VERDICT Libraries will want this title, which celebrates a significant historical figure.--Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's Sch., Richmond, VA